nigel farage distances himself from the comments — the prime minister leads the condemnation. it makes me angry, i think he has some questions to answer, don't repeat those words slightly, i do so deliberately because this is too important not to call out, clearly, for what it is. i’m important not to call out, clearly, for what it is.— for what it is. i'm an ashford in kent looking — for what it is. i'm an ashford in kent looking at _ for what it is. i'm an ashford in kent looking at the _ for what it is. i'm an ashford in kent looking at the health - for what it is. i'm an ashford in kent looking at the health care| kent looking at the health care system in england, the nhs is consistently one of the most important issues for doctors, often speaking to health care experts, doc spirits, patients. iam rajini vaidyanathan. and — glastonbury gets into full swing — with the first of its two female headlines, dua lipa, set for the pyramid stage this evening.

hello, i'm matthew amroliwala. joe biden is under pressure to reconsider his candidacy for the us presidential election, after a debate performance against donald trump which has been described as disastrous. in the first televised debate of the campaign, president biden struggled to finish sentences and appeared rambling and, at times, incoherent. the appearance had been meant to reassure voters that his age wasn't an issue in the campaign — but instead it underlined concerns and provoked what many are called "panic" in the democratic party. live now to our north america correspondent john sudworth in atlanta. in terms of the new york times, one headline they were running, a stumbling performance and a party in panic. stumbling performance and a party in anic. , , ., ,

stumbling performance and a party in anic. , , .,, ., panic. yes, well, this was a debate that the democrats _ panic. yes, well, this was a debate that the democrats called - panic. yes, well, this was a debate that the democrats called for - panic. yes, well, this was a debate that the democrats called for and l that the democrats called for and joe biden really had onejob, which was to allay those long smouldering concerns about his age and mental competence, in the end he has only amplified them. in many ways, not a great performance from donald trump, also sometimes rambling in a speech festooned with falsehoods, but in comparisonjoe biden has made mr trump book measured in presidential and it has pushed those concerns and questions aboutjoe biden's cc into the open. my colleague gary o'donoghue looks at what was universally considered a terrible night for mrjoe biden. trump, trump, trump... for the first time in debate history, a former president arriving to debate a current president. cheering. that current president aiming to be the oldest incumbent

of the white house in us history. joe biden. four years ago, when these two men met, it ended up in a slanging match. donald trump. but even new rules didn't stop the insults from flying. the only reason i'm here is he's so bad as a president that i'm going to make america great again. my son was not a loser. he was not a sucker. you're the sucker. you're the loser. both men accused the other of trashing the economy, clashing over tax cuts and inflation. he's the only president other than herbert hoover who's lost morejobs than he had when he began. since herbert hoover. the onlyjobs he created are for illegal immigrants and bounce backjobs. the bounce back from the covid. at times, joe biden sounded hoarse and difficult to understand. his aides said he had a cold, but there have been persistent concerns about his concentration and stamina, and this did not dispel those worries. excuse me with, um, dealing with everything we have to do with, uh... look, if... we finally beat medicare.

thank you, president biden. abortion and immigration were hotly contested, with donald trump delivering perhaps his strongest line of the night. we are living right now in a rat's nest. they're killing our people in new york, in california, in every state in the union, because we don't have borders anymore. every state is now a border. when both men were asked about their age — joe biden is 81, donald trump 78 — they ended up in a bizarre argument about golf. i told you before, i'm happy to play golf if you carry your own bag. think you can do it? that's the biggest lie, that he's a six handicap, of all. i was an eight handicap. yeah, eight. but you know how many i've... seen your swing. i know your swing. there was little in this debate to change the minds of the committed. both men made well—worn attacks on one another. both men hurled well—worn insults at one another.

what will really count is how this lands with the small number of undecided voters in those key swing states that will decide november's election. gary o'donoghue, at the presidential debate in atlanta, for bbc news. the white house has been rallying around presidentjoe biden, kamala harris the vice president saying the thing that matters is the record over the rhetoric, style over substance, being us president is more thanjust about substance, being us president is more than just about record, it is about communication and those questions about his candidacy see in the future is now out in the open, a flavour, david plath said it was a def con moment, andrew young, former

democrat presidential candidate himself went on social media sync, guys, it is time to nominate someone else. john sudworth in atlanta. well, this is how the us — has been waking up this morning — and reacting to the debate. president biden faces a backlash from inside his own party after a very shaky debate performance. some house democrats talking about him having to step down. i don't know what hei said at the end of the sentence, i don't think he knew what he said either. _ we can go now to rick wilson, political strategist and co—founder of the lincoln project. you were watching every minute of the debate, when did you first realise it was going horribly wrong forjoe biden? he realise it was going horribly wrong forjoe biden?— forjoe biden? he had a bad night last niaht, forjoe biden? he had a bad night last night. no _

forjoe biden? he had a bad night last night, no doubt, _ forjoe biden? he had a bad night last night, no doubt, evident - forjoe biden? he had a bad night| last night, no doubt, evident early in the process he was not on his letter a game. i did note two things, i am letter a game. i did note two things, iam not letter a game. i did note two things, i am not a letter a game. i did note two things, iam nota panic letter a game. i did note two things, i am not a panic by nature, iam not things, i am not a panic by nature, i am not panicking. i did two things, donald trump is offering nothing new beyond what appeals to his base ready, the mosaic of lies, bizarre assertions. joe biden improved towards the back of the debate but no one will spin it that joe biden had a great night, it is not something is an honest person i will say, that was a+. you cannot do it that way. i will say, that was a+. you cannot do it that way-— it that way. i will come back to the s - in it that way. i will come back to the sin oint it that way. i will come back to the spin point in _ it that way. i will come back to the spin point in a _ it that way. i will come back to the spin point in a moment— it that way. i will come back to the spin point in a moment but- it that way. i will come back to the spin point in a moment but you . it that way. i will come back to the l spin point in a moment but you said you are not panicking, you will know there are many democrats, some senior democrats, that are panicking. senior democrats, that are panicking-— senior democrats, that are ”anickin, ., , , , , panicking. that is my superpower, i am an x republican. _ panicking. that is my superpower, i am an x republican. i _ panicking. that is my superpower, i am an x republican. i am _ panicking. that is my superpower, i am an x republican. i am not- panicking. that is my superpower, i am an x republican. i am not a - am an x republican. i am not a democrat. i do not approach this

race simply asjoe biden versus donald trump. the lincoln project �*s message, i understand who donald trump is, a felon, fraud, a lawyer, sexual abuse, criminal and a trump is, a felon, fraud, a lawyer, sexualabuse, criminaland a man trump is, a felon, fraud, a lawyer, sexual abuse, criminal and a man who is in the pocket of broad interest. this is not a man who changes character or destiny last night, joe biden had a bad night but donald trump didn't get it transformative moment. triumphalism is a very bad truck to take on politics. bill clinton blew his first debate with george hw bush, my old boss. barack obama blew his first debate with george mccain. george w bush blew his first debate with al gore, i was standing watching him on the sidelines. a bad debate in the

situation is worse forjoe biden, i will graduate that, but this idea you have the panic, run around, chase the dragon, get somebody new, it has to focus on who donald trump is and what he will do to this country. at the link it came out project, how do you beat donald trump? mr biden is a candidate who will make their decisions, their campaign... will make their decisions, their campaign- - -— campaign... the difficulty is, desite campaign... the difficulty is, despite the _ campaign... the difficulty is, despite the long _ campaign... the difficulty is, despite the long list - campaign... the difficulty is, despite the long list of - campaign... the difficulty is, despite the long list of the i campaign... the difficulty is, - despite the long list of the things he set about donald trump, where there is so much of that gets drowned out, it was a concern, this age concern aboutjoe biden, even before this debate. this was to dispel all of that and we were talking there about what the vice president has been saying from the white house, in effect saying let's concentrate on the record. it is a difficult strategy, isn't it, to try

to convince people they didn't see what they actually saw. i to convince people they didn't see what they actually saw.— what they actually saw. i don't think anybody _ what they actually saw. i don't think anybody is _ what they actually saw. i don't think anybody is trying - what they actually saw. i don't think anybody is trying to - what they actually saw. i don't think anybody is trying to do i what they actually saw. i don't i think anybody is trying to do that in any real case. i believejoe biden had a terrible night last night, terrible night, and f minus night, terrible night, and f minus night, a bad night. that does not change who donald trump is. this election is to be a referendum on donald trump, that is the strategic approach we're taking and we believe will be the only successful outcome here. joe biden has had very good nights that everybody is forgetting about right now, of the union two times, speeches at normandy, lots of great speeches, presentations, moments, if you had an all night —— off night, consequential but donald trump is talking about sharks, boat batteries, washing machines, it doesn't sound like he is speaking english. i doesn't sound like he is speaking en . lish. . doesn't sound like he is speaking enalish. ., ., ., , english. i get all of that but let me ask you _ english. i get all of that but let me ask you a _ english. i get all of that but let me ask you a different - english. i get all of that but let| me ask you a different question because i know your project is all

about trying to make sure donald trump doesn't return to the white house, but here is the bout, does not make more strategic sense for the democrats, i know you are not one, with changing candidate now, is it too late to the timeline? i one, with changing candidate now, is it too late to the timeline?_ it too late to the timeline? i think it too late to the timeline? i think it is probably _ it too late to the timeline? i think it is probably too _ it too late to the timeline? i think it is probably too late _ it too late to the timeline? i think it is probably too late but - it too late to the timeline? i think it is probably too late but again i it too late to the timeline? i think it is probably too late but again it| it is probably too late but again it is not my decision, i am not in the democratic party or apparatus, the only person who will decide to leave this race isjoe biden himself. if joe biden says for the good of the country i will leave this race, then we will see how it plays out. there will be a very difficult process, we have never had to have this sort of process this late in the game in the us. and i do think that there are a number of democratic candidates out there, i will not speculate on who they are, what they would do because most of them are sticking withjoe biden for now. and, look, 130 days

in donald trump time is like a decade in normal political time, he will do things that will blow himself up, screw up, say the most bizarre things. just as he did in 2020, groups like ours will find ways to make the race a referendum of america or trump. this is a race where donald trump is running against the american system, running against the american system, running against american values, the constitution, the republic. this is a guy who represent such an existential danger to the future of america and the world that we have to work around whatever prodrome banishment problem joe biden had on the night and beat trump regardless. he had a candidate that couldn't shine a light on all the serious things, talking about workarounds of

your own us president. ted cruz republican said really interesting thing in terms of on a podcast, he predicted it would be a nightmare scenario for the republicans if we got to a point wherejoe biden was considered too old, the 0bamas who have sway with him take him aside and convince them of that and replace him with a candidate that could beat donald trump. is there something in that that the 0bamas have this way to say to joe something in that that the 0bamas have this way to say tojoe biden, it is time to think again. perhaps there is a better other candidate out there? i there is a better other candidate out there? .. ., there is a better other candidate out there?— there is a better other candidate out there? ., , , ., ~ ., out there? i cannot speak to their ersonal out there? i cannot speak to their personal relationship _ out there? i cannot speak to their personal relationship and - out there? i cannot speak to their personal relationship and i - out there? i cannot speak to their personal relationship and i know. personal relationship and i know they remain closed but i cannot speak to what the council of the 0bamas would be to the president, if it shifts to another candid we will end up in a situationjust it shifts to another candid we will end up in a situation just as it shifts to another candid we will end up in a situationjust as i told you month ago, it will be a choice,

a referendum on donald trump, america or trump. you could pick almost anyone in the country and still run the america or trump campaign against donald trump because his behaviour, his record, his criminality is so pernicious that the panic of one nights should not dominate the idea that donald trump can be beaten, he can still be beauty, triumphalism and politics as i said is a very bad truck to take we will have to leave it there, rick, thank you. the prime minister rishi sunak has condemned a racist term used about him by a reform uk campaigner, saying: "it hurts and it makes me angry". it follows comments caught on camera by a team from channel 4 news,

in which the campaigner uses a racist term to describe mr sunak, and suggests that migrants crossing the channel should be used for target practice. that party worker, has since said, his comments were personal — and not representative of the party. the reform uk leader, nigel farage, has distanced himself from the remarks. 0ur political correspondent iain watson has the story — we should warn you, his report contains language — which some might find offensive. under scrutiny from an undercover reporter, a racist term used to describe the prime minister, and views on what the amish are due to illegal immigrants. the campaigner andrew parker said they hadn't told nigel farage about his views and apologised if he brought the party into disrepute but, hang on, channel 4 also heard the views of another campaigner, this time on gay people and the rainbow flag. now, it should be stressed

that these are campaigners, not candidates. they are self—selecting volunteers although the second one you heard from is well known to nigel farage. he has of course had problems with the actual candidates too but blamed that on the vetting company employed for not doing theirjob. the other party leaders say that nigel farage himself should take responsibility for those who support him. my two daughters have to see and hear reform people who campaign for nigel farage calling me an bleep. it hurts, it makes me angry. i don't repeat those words lightly, i do so deliberately because this is too important not to call out clearly for what it is. you have to ask the question why so many people who are supporting reform seem to be exposed in this particular way. it's for a leader to change his or her party to make sure the culture is right

and the standards are understood by everybody within the party. nigel farage says those campaigners in clacton are no longer on his campaign. perhaps one of the reasons the odd person like this gravitates - towards us it's because ironically the bnp don't exist any more. i when we find out who they are, we get rid of them and on. - we get rid of them, end of. nigel farage tends to subscribe to the adage there is no such thing as bad publicity but in this campaign that theory is being tested almost to destruction. iain watson, bbc news. you can see a full list of all the candidates standing in the clacton constituency, and it's also on the bbc news website. the leader of reform, nigel farage, has since claims channel 4 used an actor in their programme. the broadcaster has denied this, saying: "we met mr parker "for the first time at reform uk party headquarters, where "he was a reform party canvasser."

so, with less than a week to go, before the election, where do things stand with the polls? this is the latest bbc polltracker. as you can see labour retains a substantial 20—point lead over the conservatives. reform uk are third on 16% — with the liberal democrats on 12. ipsos is a market research company, who've spent the election recording political trends and conducting opinion polls — we can speak to holly day, their research manager. welcome to the programme, holy, i was talking to one of your colleagues at ipsos a couple of days ago, reporting one of your post and saying the tories were down four, reform up six, where are we now? that is where we still are, the headline for the campaign as a whole, the top—level margin hasn't changed, labour consistently having a 20 point or there about leed, 23 points recently. the interesting

thing has been the movement beneath the surface, some of the smaller parties, given the news you have reported on prior to the piece, reform at 15 before these events happen, remains to be seen the impact of recent events. the liberal democrats are on 11%, the greens on seven, smaller parties gaining where the bigger parties are losing out, that margin on the top level has remained consistent throughout the campaign. remained consistent throughout the cam aiun. . , , campaign. that is interesting, if ou campaign. that is interesting, if you would _ campaign. that is interesting, if you would you _ campaign. that is interesting, if you would you say _ campaign. that is interesting, if you would you say about - campaign. that is interesting, if you would you say about your i campaign. that is interesting, if - you would you say about your recent polling not taking on board everything surrounding reform uk, the canvasser. rishi sunak has been accused by some of the not quite knowing how to cope with reform and not going directly at them. we saw him go directly for nigel farage

today because, am i right in saying that broadly, i know we are talking broadly, up to now the majority of votes shifting our shifting from conservative can the reform? the 29 conservative — conservative can the reform? the 29 conservative votes _ conservative can the reform? the 29 conservative votes are _ conservative can the reform? the 29| conservative votes are predominantly being lost to reform uk, gaining six points in the latest poll, the conservatives dropped four. they are still, 36% of the public saying they could change their mind. we have seen things happening in previous weeks with the betting scandal, the d—day issue, there are still the potential for movement there and the 36% yet to change their minds to have six days to go, although there will be postal votes that have already gone on and they will not be able to account that into their decision. ., ., ., ., ~' able to account that into their decision. ., ., ., ,, , decision. you are looking at issues, what have any _ decision. you are looking at issues, what have any issues _ decision. you are looking at issues, what have any issues in _ decision. you are looking at issues, what have any issues in the - decision. you are looking at issues, what have any issues in the last - decision. you are looking at issues, what have any issues in the last say ten days that seem to have had

traction? ~ , , , , ten days that seem to have had traction? ~ , ,, , ., . ~ ., traction? the key issues we track on a monthly basis _ traction? the key issues we track on a monthly basis and _ traction? the key issues we track on a monthly basis and have _ traction? the key issues we track on a monthly basis and have been - traction? the key issues we track on | a monthly basis and have been doing so frequently throughout the campaign are the nhs still being the top priority for the public, the economy and the cost of living being the secondary priority for the public and immigration gained a position since our previous month's polling into third place, the nhs still has a strong lead. i would say there are differences between how 2019 conservative voters for example feeling about different issues, immigration is top of their worst, thatis immigration is top of their worst, that is the number one whereas for labour voters the nhs is top of their 0s, different groups of people have competing priorities but we tend to see the consistent top four are around health care, the economy, the environment, interesting to see which of government forms over the next couple of weeks, they are going to bejudged on the record of delivery against those priorities. quick final thought, they help from the conservatives was deposed with narrow once they started the campaign, we haven't seen it.

historically with other elections, the last week or few days, does there tend to be movement more or less a week out, is that where we usually end up?— less a week out, is that where we usually end up? historically we have tended to see _ usually end up? historically we have tended to see narrowing _ usually end up? historically we have tended to see narrowing throughout| tended to see narrowing throughout the life of the campaign, with six days left to go, i think it would be an uphill battle for the conservatives to narrow too much in the time we have. in the power we have this week, record lows and government satisfaction, record lows and prime ministerial ratings and on their own vote share as well. to be able to turn that into a positive would be tricky but keir starmer�*s personal satisfaction ratings are the lowest for any opposition leader going into potentially being a prime minister so that could cause problems for him if he does because prime minister as the polls suggest. thank you holly day. in the run—up to the general

election, the bbc is looking at the issues that matter most to you, as part of your voice, your vote. one major theme is the nhs — with many people experiencing long waiting times. east kent hospitals trust is among the lowest rated in the country for a&e waiting times. 0ur presenter rajini vaidyanathan is in ashford, kent now, at the blacksmith arms pub which is just down the road from the william harvey hospital. william harvey hospital is just by me there, we were there this morning, the nhs, consistently seen as you heard from the pollsters is the key issue when it comes to voters, just to be clear, the nhs in england, that is of course because health care is a devolved issue in northern ireland, wales and scotland over it is worth noting that the

westminster government does fund public services in those devolved nations so there is a relevance in that sense as well. as you mentioned, waiting times have been a challenge and an issue that have come up through the campaign so far. the reason we picked the east can hospital trust is because some of the challenges seem to reflect the national picture here. through the course of the morning here we have spoken to people who have shared stories about the challenges when they go to accident and emergency, turn up to hospital and want to get seen, let's look at some of the data. our health reporter is here with me, jim reed. what is the national picture in terms of people who want to get seen in an accident and emergency room, waiting times? four hours is the target. either to be treated — four hours is the target. either to

be treated and go home or to be admitted — be treated and go home or to be admitted to award if they want to, the target — admitted to award if they want to, the target for the nhs is 95% of patients— the target for the nhs is 95% of patients should be dealt with in that way, — patients should be dealt with in that way, at the moment in may it was 74% _ that way, at the moment in may it was 74% is — that way, at the moment in may it was 74% is a — that way, at the moment in may it was 74% is a quite a long way beyond -- below_ was 74% is a quite a long way beyond -- belowthe — was 74% is a quite a long way beyond —— below the target. 76%, roughly the national— —— below the target. 76%, roughly the national average here. this is people _ the national average here. this is people who are sick enough that if they go— people who are sick enough that if they go into the a&e they then need to be admitted into the hospital for more _ to be admitted into the hospital for more tests, for more intense treatment. in may and this hospital around _ treatment. in may and this hospital around the — treatment. in may and this hospital around the corner, around 5200 patients— around the corner, around 5200 patients were in that situation, around — patients were in that situation, around a — patients were in that situation, around a third of those then had to wait four— around a third of those then had to wait four hours after the decision to admit— wait four hours after the decision to admit them and crucially 23%, almost _ to admit them and crucially 23%, almost a — to admit them and crucially 23%, almost a quarter, had to wait more than 12_ almost a quarter, had to wait more than 12 hours. it is this very long waits— than 12 hours. it is this very long waits in— than 12 hours. it is this very long waits in a&e in a chair or corridor,

bathed _ waits in a&e in a chair or corridor, bathed in — waits in a&e in a chair or corridor, bathed in a — waits in a&e in a chair or corridor, bathed in a corridor, which doctors they are _ bathed in a corridor, which doctors they are particularly concerning. we will be they are particularly concerning. will be back they are particularly concerning. - will be back with jim they are particularly concerning. - will be back withjim and a second, he touched on they are the challenges of people waiting to be admitted onto a ward, sometimes stuck in a&e for hours on end, i will meet simon, patiently waiting for me over here. simon, welcome to bbc news. tell us about your experience waiting in a&e last october. i experience waiting in a&e last october. ., ~ experience waiting in a&e last october. ., n ., ., ~' october. i went into a&e, it took over eight— october. i went into a&e, it took over eight hours _ october. i went into a&e, it took over eight hours to _ october. i went into a&e, it took over eight hours to be _ october. i went into a&e, it took over eight hours to be seen - october. i went into a&e, it took over eight hours to be seen by i october. i went into a&e, it took over eight hours to be seen by a | over eight hours to be seen by a doctor. 0nce over eight hours to be seen by a doctor. once it was seen, i was advised i needed to be admitted. i then spent in excess of two days on a trolley in public orators with the public walking backwards and forwards passed me. because i hadn't officially been admitted during that time, i had no food or drink anything before i ended up actually

getting on a ward. haifa anything before i ended up actually getting on a ward.— getting on a ward. how did it feel when ou getting on a ward. how did it feel when you were — getting on a ward. how did it feel when you were waiting _ getting on a ward. how did it feel when you were waiting on - getting on a ward. how did it feel when you were waiting on a - getting on a ward. how did it feel. when you were waiting on a trolley, effectively on a corridor? i{fruite effectively on a corridor? quite degrading. _ effectively on a corridor? quite degrading. to _ effectively on a corridor? quite degrading, to be _ effectively on a corridor? quite degrading, to be honest, - effectively on a corridor? quite degrading, to be honest, you l effectively on a corridor? (zei ts: degrading, to be honest, you do effectively on a corridor? (zii is: degrading, to be honest, you do not feel obviously well at the best of times when you are in hospital, that is the whole purpose. so to actually be sat there with people walking past just staring at you, it be sat there with people walking pastjust staring at you, it is quite disconcerting. mil pastjust staring at you, it is quite disconcerting.- pastjust staring at you, it is quite disconcerting. all the while in ain as quite disconcerting. all the while in pain as well, _ quite disconcerting. all the while in pain as well, i _ quite disconcerting. all the while in pain as well, i assume. - quite disconcerting. all the while in pain as well, i assume. very l quite disconcerting. all the while - in pain as well, i assume. very much so. when in pain as well, i assume. very much so- when you — in pain as well, i assume. very much so. when you look _ in pain as well, i assume. very much so. when you look back— in pain as well, i assume. very much so. when you look back at _ in pain as well, i assume. very much so. when you look back at that - so. when you look back at that experience _ so. when you look back at that experience and _ so. when you look back at that experience and had _ so. when you look back at that experience and had to - so. when you look back at that experience and had to be - so. when you look back at that - experience and had to be admitted again, what is your feeling about how the health service is functioning at the moment? personally, i think one of the biggest issues is lack of communication, you are left there, when you do as the questions you get basically palmed off, you are left to sit and wonder what is going on, it seems they are understaffed, don't have enough people to do the job, provide the service they are

therefore. �* , ., . ., therefore. there's an election cominu therefore. there's an election coming up — therefore. there's an election coming up as _ therefore. there's an election coming up as we _ therefore. there's an election coming up as we well- therefore. there's an election coming up as we well know, l therefore. there's an election - coming up as we well know, which party are you going to vote for and which party do you think offers the best prospect for the health service? i best prospect for the health service? ., best prospect for the health service? . ., , service? i am in two minds, somewhere _ service? i am in two minds, somewhere between - service? i am in two minds, j somewhere between labour service? i am in two minds, - somewhere between labour and service? i am in two minds, _ somewhere between labour and reform. my somewhere between labour and reform. my personal view, any party that gets in is going to struggle to do with the nhs in its current form, it is too far gone at the momentjust to be able to walk in and fix it, there is a lot of work that needs to be done. ., ,., ., ., , , be done. labour and reform, this is a comfortable _ be done. labour and reform, this is a comfortable majority _ be done. labour and reform, this is a comfortable majority for _ be done. labour and reform, this is a comfortable majority for the - a comfortable majority for the conservatives at the moment in the seats, have you voted conservative in the past?— seats, have you voted conservative in the ast? , , , ., . in the past? yes, but based on what has happened _ in the past? yes, but based on what has happened over _ in the past? yes, but based on what has happened over recent _ in the past? yes, but based on what has happened over recent years - in the past? yes, but based on what has happened over recent years i . has happened over recent years i shan't be voting for them again. what is it about labour or reform you think would be better in terms of the health service, i do not know if you have looked in detail at the policies. if you have looked in detail at the olicies. , ., , .,

policies. the problem i have with an of policies. the problem i have with any of these _ policies. the problem i have with any of these policies _ policies. the problem i have with any of these policies is _ any of these policies is unfortunately whichever government get in, whichever party gets into government, the normal response is, we need to fix the problem is that the previous government cost. whether anything is going to change in the short term or not is anybody�*s gas. in the short term or not is anybody's gas-— in the short term or not is anybody's gas. in the short term or not is an bod 's as. . , anybody's gas. let me ask you this, we will talk — anybody's gas. let me ask you this, we will talk about _ anybody's gas. let me ask you this, we will talk about this _ anybody's gas. let me ask you this, we will talk about this later - anybody's gas. let me ask you this, we will talk about this later in - anybody's gas. let me ask you this, we will talk about this later in the i we will talk about this later in the afternoon as we look at other aspects of the health service, a&e in your experience, but were getting to see a gp, how easy?— to see a gp, how easy? forget it, it doesnt to see a gp, how easy? forget it, it doesn't happen- _ to see a gp, how easy? forget it, it doesn't happen- i — to see a gp, how easy? forget it, it doesn't happen. i cannot _ to see a gp, how easy? forget it, it doesn't happen. i cannot remember the last time i have had a face—to—face appointment with the gp. you call up at 8am which is when they say to call, the end of 25th in they say to call, the end of 25th in the queue or if you try to do the electronic consult online you end up being told they have a lot of spaces. being told they have a lot of saces. ., ~' being told they have a lot of saces. ., ~ i. being told they have a lot of saces. ., ~' , ., ,, ., being told they have a lot of saces. ., ~ i. ,, ., ., spaces. ok, thank you, simon. i am leased spaces. ok, thank you, simon. i am pleased to — spaces. ok, thank you, simon. i am pleased to say _ spaces. ok, thank you, simon. i am pleased to say you _ spaces. ok, thank you, simon. i am pleased to say you say _ spaces. ok, thank you, simon. i am pleased to say you say you - spaces. ok, thank you, simon. i am pleased to say you say you are - pleased to say you say you are recovering from your condition.

jim, you were listening to his story, difficult to listen to, you have a response from the hospital. it is worth pointing out the kind of issues which simon was talking about are well reflected across england at the moment. we are here in ashford in kent where many other hospitals are facing temperatures. the hospital said they are very sorry patients are waiting longer than they would like but they are making progress in reducing the amount of time patients are waiting both nand and for plant care and they said they have increased their capacity for things like operations and outpatient clinics and changing the way they work to speed these patients through the hospital which is often the problem.— is often the problem. earlier in the programme _ is often the problem. earlier in the programme i _ is often the problem. earlier in the programme i was _ is often the problem. earlier in the programme i was speaking - is often the problem. earlier in the programme i was speaking to - is often the problem. earlier in the - programme i was speaking to someone from the royal college of surgeons or emergency doctors, the coalface in an emergency room nand and a doctor i spoke to said he felt none of the party manifestos had enough in them when it came to addressing

some of the challenges simon and other people we have spoken to you. what would you make about? we look throu~h the what would you make about? we look through the manifestos _ what would you make about? we look through the manifestos and _ what would you make about? we look through the manifestos and there - what would you make about? we look through the manifestos and there is i through the manifestos and there is not very specific points made about a&e care which i think the criticism the doctor was making early on. there are some detailed points about other aspects of care and because the nhs is sojoined up one thing that often affects the other, so if you look at what the conservatives are saying, they are saying they would add 92,000 more nurses, 28,000 more doctors, they would set up 50 new community diagnostic centres. labour say they are going to return these waiting times to targets and talk about adding 2 million more appointments a year through adding evening and weekend appointments and the lib dems, their big push here is to speed up or add more capacity for social care and to introduce the same sort of system we have in scotland, which is a free personal care for people through taxation rather than people paying it

themselves.— rather than people paying it themselves. ., ,, ., ., themselves. thank you. i am now “oint b themselves. thank you. i am now joint by someone _ themselves. thank you. i am now joint by someone from _ themselves. thank you. i am now joint by someone from the - themselves. thank you. i am now joint by someone from the king's| joint by someone from the king's fund which is an organisation which looks at the nhs. welcome to bbc news. first of all, you have heard what simon had to say about his personal challenges and jim read my colleague there are saying this isn't reflective of the wider challenges that many top hospitals crossing interfacing when it comes to emergency admissions. what is your analysis of the challenge and how it can be fixed. i your analysis of the challenge and how it can be fixed.— how it can be fixed. i am sorry to hear about _ how it can be fixed. i am sorry to hear about simon _ how it can be fixed. i am sorry to hear about simon and _ how it can be fixed. i am sorry to hear about simon and what - how it can be fixed. i am sorry to hear about simon and what he i how it can be fixed. i am sorry to i hear about simon and what he went through. it illustrates some of the wider problems the nhs is facing and it is facing a lot of problems but if i was to select three i think most significant i would say stopping, money, and waiting times. if you look at staffing, we have a junior doctor strike at the moment, very the morale and we have still

got staff shortages up and down the country. if you look at the money we have hospitals including like east kenta that are worried about overspending their budgets and some are actually contemplating taking out staff in some cases. 0n waiting times they were bad before covid, but they have got worse. 0ne times they were bad before covid, but they have got worse. one of the really shocking things as you have been focusing on a&e quite rightly, whether you look at a&e, ambience waiting times or per plant hospital care there is really poor performance across the board so it is a really struggling nhs the next government will inherit. irate is a really struggling nhs the next government will inherit.— government will inherit. we have soken to government will inherit. we have spoken to a _ government will inherit. we have spoken to a number _ government will inherit. we have spoken to a number of _ government will inherit. we have spoken to a number of other- government will inherit. we have . spoken to a number of other experts and doctors who are all talking about the need for more investment into the nhs in england, but the challenge is where will that money come from?— come from? absolutely and i think both parties _ come from? absolutely and i think both parties as _ come from? absolutely and i think both parties as jim _ come from? absolutely and i think both parties as jim pointed - come from? absolutely and i think both parties as jim pointed out - come from? absolutely and i think i both parties as jim pointed out were both parties asjim pointed out were quite thin on the detail of what was in the manifestos. what i would say is when you look at the plans, both

the conservative and liberal party have promised more read sources for the nhs, to support the long—term workforce, and other clinical professionals but they have supported the long—term plan to build up a0 new hospitals are so part of the answer is more capacity and resources for the nhs but i think part of the answer absolutely has to be however much money you give the service the service using that money wisely and there are some good examples of how hospitals are using their resources and sharing their resources more collaboratively and technology, without overstating its impact, i have seen example is where hospitals embracing technology to improve patient safety and also reduce waiting time so i think we have to be realistic but there is some hope and optimism for what might be achievable. i some hope and optimism for what might be achievable.— some hope and optimism for what might be achievable. i would like to ick u- on might be achievable. i would like to pick up on something _ might be achievable. i would like to pick up on something simon - might be achievable. i would like to pick up on something simon felt - might be achievable. i would like to| pick up on something simon felt was a real gripe for him and he said it was communication. the fact that he was communication. the fact that he was lying on a trolley for a couple of days and didn't really know what was going on. it is not something

talk about that often when we look at some of the charges and talk about the big picture stuff, but what is your take on that? i think ou are what is your take on that? i think you are right _ what is your take on that? i think you are right and _ what is your take on that? i think you are right and simon - what is your take on that? i think you are right and simon is - what is your take on that? i think you are right and simon is right l what is your take on that? i think| you are right and simon is right to highlight it. some of the hospitals i have worked with that most impressed me are hospitals that are trying to become world—class communicators in two ways. whether it is giving you better information and choice of when your appointment might happen, so if you have a planned appointment you can plan around it rather than just getting it out of the blue and secondly as simon is waiting there, better communicators in the moment, some treating people with privacy and dignity and respect and explaining this is what is happening and why this is what is happening and why this is what is happening and why this is why you might be waiting a bit longer because the equipment isn't ready or is already being used and this is what will happen next. a lot of what causes anxiety is not knowing what happens next in some parts of the nhs but not enough just yet are getting better at being world—class community trust. yet are getting better at being world-class community trust. thank

ou. world-class community trust. thank you- thank — world-class community trust. thank you- thank you _ world-class community trust. thank you. thank you pachanga _ world—class community trust. thank you. thank you pachanga thoughts and analysis on some of the charges and some of the possible solutions. i will be in a gp surgery later speaking to a gp about some of the challenges general practitioners are facing at the moment and just a reminder that in the ashford constituency you can go to bbc website and all the candidates are standing here in the election and in any of the seats you want to watch. studio: thank you once again and you can head to the bbc website because if by issue we break it down and go through some of the detail and hear from our correspondence and our teams. what do children think about this election? the bbc�*s newsround programme has been speaking to kids across the uk about what matters most to them. have a listen. we're in glasgow in scotland. we are in holywood, in belfast, the capital city of northern ireland. welcome to wales. yes, welcome to llandudno.

so for the last stop of the newsround election roadshow, we're in england, specifically here in dudley in the west midlands. and now, what do you think the prime minister should tackle? what should be the first big thing that they do when they become the prime minister? i feel like that they should get - the nhs back on their feet so they can help with future illnesses. the biggest issue the government should tackle is school funding to renew schools and give schools better and fun activities to do each day. very nice. you had a different issue in mind. i think one of the most important things we should focus on would be cleaning all of our rivers. anne, what do you think? i agree with matildaj about the pollution, as there's an article that says we have a right to a clean - environment and i don't think we have this. - and there's a huge issue at the moment for lots of people who are struggling. tell us what you think should happen. to help lower energy bills and gas bills, because they're getting higher and higher. so help to bring down those bills which have been impacting millions of people. what should the government be doing? who should they be listening to? i think they should be listening to children's voices more and even

give them a seat in the parliament. to tackle climate change, - because we're the future of this country and we don't want anyone pumping waste into the oceans. i start to focus on the nhs because they work so hard to save so many people's lives, and they work really long hours. with me is newsround presenter ricky boleto. probably first of all, the age group that you generally have been talking to you as you go around the country stop you look mainly primer school, between the age of six and 12, obviously they can't vote but there is a huge misconception that kids and children are not interested in politics. so many of the kids that we smoked _ politics. so many of the kids that we smoked over— politics. so many of the kids ii�*ué�*ii we smoked over the last two days really are engaged in it and loads of schools take part in democracy lessons more than i was going up. they are learning about manifestos and how to represent themselves,

what to do if they were prime minister or in charge of the school. there was no shortage there in terms of what issues interest them. fine there was no shortage there in terms of what issues interest them.- of what issues interest them. one of the big ones — of what issues interest them. one of the big ones we _ of what issues interest them. one of the big ones we found _ of what issues interest them. one of the big ones we found this _ of what issues interest them. one of the big ones we found this year- of what issues interest them. one of the big ones we found this year his i the big ones we found this year his health. lots of children who have either found themselves ending up in a&e because they have broken their arm, having three or four hour waits, a lot of children said health was a key concern. education when it comes to how children can have better schools and make sure everything around their education is being looked after properly. the environment is a key one as well for kids and it always has been for young people but even more so now. lots of children concerned about climate change. also mental health. we haven't heard a lot about some of thoseissues we haven't heard a lot about some of those issues during the campaign because politicians don't always speak to children, soap mental health has also cropped up quite a lot. ., ., , , , ., health has also cropped up quite a lot. ., .,, , i. ., lot. how open were they when you are talkin: to lot. how open were they when you are talking to them _ lot. how open were they when you are talking to them broadly _ lot. how open were they when you are talking to them broadly in _ lot. how open were they when you are talking to them broadly in terms - lot. how open were they when you are talking to them broadly in terms of. talking to them broadly in terms of notjust issues are interested in but things that worry them? some of

the younger — but things that worry them? some of the younger kids _ but things that worry them? some of the younger kids are _ but things that worry them? some of the younger kids are not _ but things that worry them? some of the younger kids are not as _ but things that worry them? some of the younger kids are not as engaged | the younger kids are not as engaged in the election. they are saying it because parents at home are watching it and teachers are talking about it but not everyone will be as enthused about it. some of the year six or year five kids. about it. some of the year six or yearfive kids. i wouldn't about it. some of the year six or year five kids. i wouldn't say they are all worried about it. they are looking forward to see what happens. so many of them were talking part and more collections inside the questions. i was swinging to a couple of kids about politicians' behaviour and that was really interesting and a lot of kids were talking about the conduct of politicians, how they have been behaving. we have seen over the last couple of years and that has been cropping up. couple of years and that has been cropping up-_ couple of years and that has been cropping up. even at that age they are clocking _ cropping up. even at that age they are clocking all— cropping up. even at that age they are clocking all of— cropping up. even at that age they are clocking all of that. _ cropping up. even at that age they are clocking all of that. they - cropping up. even at that age they are clocking all of that. they have| are clocking all of that. they have been talking _ are clocking all of that. they have been talking about _ are clocking all of that. they have been talking about it _ are clocking all of that. they have been talking about it at _ are clocking all of that. they have been talking about it at school- are clocking all of that. they have| been talking about it at school and to me. it was really key that we let them have a say and newsround is a great platform to do that what they want to have more of a site themselves, have a seat in parliament, being able to actually help those adults make decisions that impact their lives. just help those adults make decisions that impact their lives.— that impact their lives. just a final thought _ that impact their lives. just a final thought because - that impact their lives. just a

final thought because as - that impact their lives. just a final thought because as we | that impact their lives. just a - final thought because as we were waiting to come to this we were hearing about the nhs and you were saying you will be in downing street on results day trying to explain what all this means.— on results day trying to explain what all this means. they know the famous black _ what all this means. they know the famous black door _ what all this means. they know the famous black door of _ what all this means. they know the famous black door of 10 _ what all this means. they know the famous black door of 10 downing i famous black door of 10 downing street and they want newsround to be there to give them results but also there to give them results but also there is a special programme on monday where we will be involving mark clattenburg, the main referee for bbc gladiators, a huge show that kids love, speaking to him about how to debate properly and how to debate respectfully as well who maybe doesn't have the same opinion as you and we are also looking at what the words mean, what is an mp, we will be looking at all these things are newsround so if you are a teacher or parent or a kid yourself get involved and watch. thank you for taking us all that. here on bbc news we've spent each day scrutinising the campaign promises — and how they could affect the whole country. but we're also taking time to report on the particular issues in different parts of the uk — and look at how they could

affect the outcome. joining me from stoke is anna whitaker — staffordshire political reporter. and in leominster —james pearson, herefordshire political reporter. james, what are the big issues at play where you are? it is james, what are the big issues at play where you are?— james, what are the big issues at play where you are? it is what you would probably — play where you are? it is what you would probably call— play where you are? it is what you would probably call a _ play where you are? it is what you would probably call a rural- would probably call a rural constituency, just a% of people here work in a city and it has beautiful towns and market towns and villages like where i am, the tempered buildings. traditionally in general elections this is a safe tory seat. they had a majority of almost 25,000 here in 2019. this time around it is a very hard—fought contest. to clear issues are coming up on the doorstep at the moment. the nhs in particular the state of dentistry and the environment, rivers. 0n the nhs, in

the whole of herefordshire in recent years there has been a real black and complete shortage of nhs dental places and that has left families with a dilemma, either travel out of county four hours to get nhs treatment or pay private or go without. the state of children's teeth in her picture has been a concern because of that. there are efforts to turn it around, new dental practices opening this year but if you speak to local dentists they will tell you the nhs needs to pay them more for the treatment they already do. if we switch to the environment, another big issue here is the state of rivers. a big talking point in this election. last year the river wye, its health was downgraded because of a decline in species like salmon which once were really,. the issue isn'tjust sewage as pollution but it is manure rolling off fields into the river. that has been linked to a big increase in poultry farming in the area. at any one time there are 23

million chickens being reared in the wye valley and that has been linked to the pollution in rivers. the government says it is doing something about it. there are 35 point pounds of investment going in but campaigners say that is still not enough. and —— £35. for political parties wanting to deal with voters' concerns about this they always have three careful not to demonise farmers. strong farming community here and they feel they are being demonised at the time with the cost of living, their livelihoods are under pressure but if you speak to voters on the doorstep they have one very simple litmus test when it comes to rivers, they want to know if they are safe to go and swim in again as they would have done for many generations.— would have done for many renerations. ., ,, , ., �* , would have done for many renerations. ., «i , ., �* , ., generations. thank you. let's go back to anna. _ generations. thank you. let's go back to anna. give _ generations. thank you. let's go back to anna. give me _ generations. thank you. let's go back to anna. give me a - generations. thank you. let's go | back to anna. give me a snapshot generations. thank you. let's go - back to anna. give me a snapshot of the scene where you are. i am outsized pottery _ the scene where you are. i am outsized pottery in _ the scene where you are. i am outsized pottery in stoke—on—trent. stoke _ outsized pottery in stoke—on—trent. stoke is— outsized pottery in stoke—on—trent. stoke is famous for its history and the ceramics industry but people

here feel— the ceramics industry but people here feel let down and feel levelling up doesn't work for the fourth _ levelling up doesn't work for the fourth of— levelling up doesn't work for the fourth of back in 2019 voters in their— fourth of back in 2019 voters in their droves took a chance on boris johnson _ their droves took a chance on boris johnson and — their droves took a chance on boris johnson and the first time in history— johnson and the first time in history all three seats here turned blue _ history all three seats here turned blue. labour have really been hammering it hard in stoke—on—trent this time _ hammering it hard in stoke—on—trent this time around. trying to win those — this time around. trying to win those three seats back here in stoke—on—trent. a former red wall area for— stoke—on—trent. a former red wall area for decades and generations. the big _ area for decades and generations. the big issues here though this election— the big issues here though this election are, many really reflected in the _ election are, many really reflected in the national picture, the nhs, cost of— in the national picture, the nhs, cost of living and immigration. stoke—on—trent was one of the places which _ stoke—on—trent was one of the places which voted _ stoke—on—trent was one of the places which voted most heavily brexit during _ which voted most heavily brexit during that vote in 2016 and we are looking _ during that vote in 2016 and we are looking to — during that vote in 2016 and we are looking to see whether this will come _ looking to see whether this will come through again with the reform vote here _ come through again with the reform vote here in stoke. reform uk have put up _ vote here in stoke. reform uk have put up candidates in every area which _ put up candidates in every area which could be a bit of a worry for the tories — which could be a bit of a worry for the tories here. we have had big profile _ the tories here. we have had big profile visits as well from politicians. we have had keir

starmer— politicians. we have had keir starmer who visited yesterday, he visited _ starmer who visited yesterday, he visited a _ starmer who visited yesterday, he visited a pottery in stoke—on—trent and rishi _ visited a pottery in stoke—on—trent and rishi sunak visited stoke—on—trent in the first full week— stoke—on—trent in the first full week of— stoke—on—trent in the first full week of campaigning, so clearly stoke—on—trent would be a big battleground going forward. stoke-on-trent would be a big battleground going forward. anna, thank ou, battleground going forward. anna, thank you. and _ battleground going forward. anna, thank you, and thank _ battleground going forward. anna, thank you, and thank you - battleground going forward. anna, thank you, and thank you to - battleground going forward. anna, | thank you, and thank you to james. the snp campaign bus has taken to the road for the first time. party leader and scottish first ministerjohn swinney stepped off the vehicle for a campaign event in edinburgh. he says it will carry the snp's message to all parts of the country — and that his key message is that only the snp can be trusted to stand up for scotland in westminster. 0ur correspondent catriona renton was waiting for the bus to make its first stop — and she sent us this update. well, you join us on a very windy calton hill here in central edinburgh, where the snp have just launched their brand new campaign bus, which they're going to criss—cross the country in over the last six days of the campaign, taking their message out to voters.

we spoke to the first minister a few minutes ago. voters in scotland are concerned about austerity, about brexit and the cost—of—living and all the damage that's doing to their lives in scotland. 0ur answer to that is to make sure decisions are made in scotland, for scotland. now we know that the labour party are winning this election in england. in scotland, however, there's a real contest and people in scotland, if they want to make sure that there's strong voices to protect us against austerity and to ensure that we can make progress on scotland's constitutional journey, people have got to vote for the snp. as you heard there, the first minister's message to voters is that they want people to vote for the snp. they believe that the labour party will win the general election, so they believe that the snp is the party to make a difference in scotland. independence, of course, is front and centre of the snp's campaign. they say that an independent

scotland will have the powers to tackle austerity, the cost of living and the effects of brexit, which they say have been damaging. there's another issue coming to light here in scotland and that's about postal votes. 0ur schools have just broken up for the school holidays and many people try to get away before the english schools break up so that they can get cheaper deals. the consequence of that is that many people will be away on holiday on ath july and if they've not received their postal vote before they go they're going to not have the opportunity to vote. there are calls for a reform of that system in light of what has happened here in future elections. the bus is going to make its way down towards the borders. staying with scotland — and edinburgh city council says it's taking urgent steps to make sure people can cast their vote in next week's general election amid concern about delayed postal ballots. a facility is open at

the city chambers from today to allow residents to request a new voting pack. you can watch nonstop coverage of the election campaign now, until the results are called — and beyond — on bbc iplayer. just look for election 202a live. let's return to the tv debate between joe let's return to the tv debate betweenjoe biden and donald trump, the release ongoing performance from joe biden. this the aftermath afterwards. 0f joe biden. this the aftermath afterwards. of course that new york times headline i was describing a little earlier on in the programme talking about a stumbling performance and a party now in panic. let me tell you, the chair of the democratic party jamie panic. let me tell you, the chair of the democratic partyjamie harrison has been talking to the bbc world service's news hour programme in the last little while, telling his party members to, i will go to what he said, stop the hand—wringing, start rolling up your sleeves and do the

work, joe biden does not run away from a fight, never has, never will. of course, those comments trying to of course, those comments trying to actually bolster the morale of so many party workers, talk of people with their head in their hands as they were watching the debate last night. and of course behind—the—scenes so many comments about whether we have reached the moment where some within the democratic party says so joe moment where some within the democratic party says sojoe biden it is time to think again. no sign of that coming from the chair of the democratic party cooking to bbc news a little earlier. more on that in the next little while. after the arrival of festival—goers over the past few days, glastonbury kicks off properly later today, with 200,000 people expected at worthy farm this weekend. soon, the focus will be on the music — but in the meantime, our entertainment correspondent colin paterson has been taking a look at a slightly unconventional warm—up to the festival. hit it! this is not a rave—up,

it's a warm—up. every year, more and more people are running at glastonbury. a50 festivalgoers had signed up for a 5k organised by ravers2runners. whoo! we started ravers2runners a few years back, as being a previous raver, and then kind of going a bit too far, got a bit poorly. found running, changed my life. and i still think that partying is really important, but also so is looking after yourself. we told everyone it's 5k, but it actually might be more like seven. sneaky. i've been working on my glastonbury running puns, the best one i've come up with so far — from dua lipa to dua lapa. that went down better than i was expecting! how much fun is this going to be? oh, i'm unsure at the moment. then we spotted that one participant... we're getting ready for the run now. so it's marsh lane harriers — that's our running club,

my brother's running club. ..was the former english international footballer... i'mjust a runner, not a raver. ..jamie carragher. my wife, yeah. do you do you often come to glastonbury? been here the last five years, yeah. really? i didn't know you were such a veteran. yeah, no, lam, yeah, yeah. so who are you wanting to see this year? who are we seeing? we're seeing sonny tonight. definitely want to see james. dua lipa, coldplay, jamie webster, the zutons and the farm. shania twain — we're all wearing leopard print on sunday. yes. now, nasty clash, though, because england — five o'clock. shania twain finishes at five o'clock. that's not a big decision for her — it'll be shania twain. right, i'm off. and some very familiar landmarks were on their route. high fives all round. at the very same time, joe wicks was hosting a glastonbury workout. lift those knees up — as fast as you can. and congratulations were in order. little baby boy came about nine days ago. we called him dusty. well, that's appropriate for this year's glastonbury. yeah, very dusty fields, but,

yeah, no, it's exciting. i love being a dad. so i've got indie, marley, leni and dusty. i feel like that's a complete set now. i'm so chuffed. how's it been for you? amazing. dressed as a unicorn. what a good excuse to be a unicorn. are you hot yet? yeah. are you very hot? very hot. i think you may have the least appropriate outfit of anyone here. what were you thinking? even more tojoe wicks. my lordy lord. and things could get even bigger. my dream is to come back and do, um, the pyramid stage one year. they've never done a work—out there, right? so imagine me on stage, banging tunes and like 10,000, 20,000, 30,000 people doing a workout. that would be life—changing. # even if i could, would it go back where we started? someone who's playing the pyramid stage today is the mercury—nominated singer 0livia dean. feel quite emotional, even just sort of standing here. like i've wanted to play on this stage for my whole life, like my whole life.

why does it mean so much to you? because it's just like the best festival in the world. and, also, like, ithink it'sjust the stage that every musician dreams of playing. it's ridiculous. you are playing there tomorrow. i know and they won't let me in. we can't even walk to the front, at the moment. look at us, chumps, absolute chumps. we've been doing a lot on exercise today. how do you warm up when you're playing a show like this? i like to listen to some classical music and have some hot water with honey. warm up the vocals? oh, yeah. yeah, warm up the vocals, obviously. yeah, la la la la la. all that stuff. the classics. and there was just time to pop over to glastonbury latino for a rather more rhythmicalform of exercise. describe how you feel? unbelievable. brilliant vibes. just the best way to start the festival. every day here, thousands of people are going to salsa classes. oh, my gosh, it's amazing. it's so much. i'm already so hot and i've onlyjust started. it's great. it really gets your endorphins going, which are your happy hormones.

makes you feel good in your body and your mind. it doesn't feel like exercise. it's not like going to the gym. people burn calories, tone up all their muscles, and they don't even realise they're doing it. and with the music starting on the main stages today, a weekend of dancing lies ahead. colin paterson, bbc news. we will be live in glastonbury a little later. now it's time for a look at the weather with ben rich. hello. today got off to a pretty soggy start in the north of the uk. some heavy rain first thing in northern scotland, but not much in the way of rain further south. through the weekend it's actually looking dry for many. not quite for all. there will be some spells of sunshine. the earliest satellite picture shows this curl of cloud, which brought some wet and quite blustery weather in northern scotland through the morning. this afternoon, the heaviest rain pulling away across the northern isles. it does stay quite

windy in the north. where we will see some showers. further south lighter winds. still quite breezy, but not as many showers. some spells of sunshine. we have, however, lost the real warmth of the last few days. temperatures at 5.00pm around 22 degrees there in london. through this evening and tonight, where we see clear skies it will turn really quite chilly, but it won't be clear everywhere because this zone of cloud and patchy rain does work its way in from the west holding temperatures up across parts of wales, north—west england. 12 degrees there for liverpool as we start saturday morning. so for tomorrow, this frontal system pushing in from the west, but this is really a very weak affair. not much energy about this weather system, so just a zone of cloud, some patchy rain, particularly across parts of wales, northern england. that won't move very far, really, through the day. to the north of that, northern ireland, southern and central scotland largely dry with some sunshine. northern scotland seeing cloud and some showers. towards the south and the south—east of england some spells of sunshine and actually a shot of warmer air pushing up from the south,

so highs of around 25 degrees there in the capital. as we head into the second half of the weekend this ridge of high pressure tries to build from the atlantic. around the top of that high, though, we will see a fair amount of cloud filtering its way in. maybe some showers first thing across southern england, then moving across the channel islands. 0therwise, largely dry, but with a lot of cloud and just one or two showers. temperatures no great shakes really, 1a degrees in stornoway, 21 the high in london. into next week, we will see a run of westerly winds and frontal systems pushing in from the atlantic, but this ridge of high pressure to the south will never be too far away. i suspect that means that southern parts of the uk won't see an awful lot of rain, whereas further north and west we will see rain at times and it's not going to be particularly warm.

live from london, this is bbc news. joe biden faces calls to reconsider running for the white house — after a stumbling performance in the first us election debate with donald trump. excuse me with, um, dealing with everything we have to do with, uh... look, if... we finally beat medicare. meanwhile, in the general election campaign — here, a reform uk worker is caught on camera making racist remarks about rishi sunak.

nigel distances faraj nigel distances fa raj himself nigel distances faraj himself from the comments, the prime minister leads to condemnation. —— leads in the condemnation. it makes me angry, i don't repeat those words lightly, i do so deliberately because it's too important not to call out clearly for what it is. and — glastonbury gets into full swing — with the first of its two female headlines, dua lipa, set for the pyramid stage this evening. joe biden is facing calls to reconsider his candidacy for the us presidential election, after a debate performance

against donald trump which has been described as disastrous. in the first televised debate of the campaign, president biden struggled to finish sentences and appeared rambling and, at times, incoherent. the appearance had been meant to reassure voters that his age wasn't an issue in the campaign, but instead it underlined concerns, and provoked what many are called �*panic�* in the democratic party. 0ur north america correspondent, gary 0'donoghue, was watching. trump, trump, trump... for the first time in debate history, a former president arriving to debate a current president. cheering. that current president aiming to be the oldest incumbent of the white house in us history. joe biden. four years ago, when these two men met, it ended up in a slanging match. donald trump. but even new rules didn't stop the insults from flying. the only reason i'm here is he's so bad as a president that i'm going to make america great again. my son was not a loser. he was not a sucker. you're the sucker. you're the loser. both men accused the other of trashing the economy, clashing over tax cuts and inflation. he's the only president other

than herbert hoover who's lost morejobs than he had when he began. since herbert hoover. the onlyjobs he created are for illegal immigrants and bounce backjobs. the bounce back from the covid. at times, joe biden sounded hoarse and difficult to understand. his aides said he had a cold, but there have been persistent concerns about his concentration and stamina, and this did not dispel those worries. excuse me with, um, dealing with everything we have to do with, uh... look, if... we finally beat medicare. thank you, president biden. abortion and immigration were hotly contested, with donald trump delivering perhaps his strongest line of the night. we are living right now in a rat's nest. they're killing our people in new york, in california, in every state in the union, because we don't have borders anymore. every state is now a border. when both men were asked about their age — joe biden is 81, donald trump 78 — they ended up in a bizarre

argument about golf. i told you before, i'm happy to play golf if you carry your own bag. think you can do it? that's the biggest lie, that he's a six handicap, of all. i was an eight handicap. yeah, eight. but you know how many i've... seen your swing. i know your swing. there was little in this debate to change the minds of the committed. both men made well—worn attacks on one another. both men hurled well—worn insults at one another. what will really count is how this lands with the small number of undecided voters in those key swing states that will decide november's election. gary 0'donoghue, at the presidential debate in atlanta, for bbc news. donald trump headed off in his motorcade, joe biden fulton north

carolina for a campaign stop, before that he stopped off at a campaign eventin that he stopped off at a campaign event in atlanta where the debate took place, first ladyjoe biden played the role of cheerleader in chief. joe, you did such a greatjob, you answered every question, you knew all the facts. and let me ask the crowd, what did donald trump do? lie! well, this is how the us — has been waking up this morning — and reacting to the debate. president biden faces a backlash from inside his own party after a very shaky debate performance. some house democrats talking about him having to step down. i don't know what hei said at the end of the sentence, i don't think he knew what he said either. _ frank luntz is an american political consultant and pollster —

he gave us his reaction to the debate. the voters looked at donald trump and they listened to his insults, and they saw his persona. and they the undecided voters didn't like him, but they thought thatjoe biden not only won't make the next four years, they question whether he's going to make the next four months. it is significant that, of our focus group, 1a undecided voters came in. all of them had voted democrat and republican. 12 of them ended up with donald trump. only one ended up withjoe biden. the reaction was so deep that you had democratic leaders from across the party spectrum saying, we're in trouble. we may need a new candidate. in fact, i'm prepared to say that, over the next a8 hours, the democrats and the senate and the house, the political people are going to have a debate whether or not they want to visit the white house and do for biden exactly what republicans

did to richard nixon during watergate, saying, sir, we need another candidate. we need a new alternative. you cannot defeat donald trump. let's speak to richard goodstein, a democratic strategist and former adviser to bill and hillary clinton. you were listening there to lunz, is he right, he will not make it to be candidate? �* , he right, he will not make it to be candidate?— candidate? let's remember in mid-october— candidate? let's remember in mid-october of— candidate? let's remember in mid-october of 2016 - candidate? let's remember in mid-october of 2016 when . candidate? let's remember in - mid-october of 2016 when access mid—0ctober of 2016 when access hollywood tape came out, when donald trump bragged about grabbing women by the genitals many republicans publicly said he had to step down. you don't have any names associated with the reports yet but what did

donald trump do? he fought his way through it and obviously he won. this was a contest last night between somebody who had a hard time finding the right words and somebody whose words or no semblance to the truth. i think when the campaign get started two contrasting visions of the country, i think the public is strongly on the side ofjoe biden, theissues strongly on the side ofjoe biden, the issues guns, climate change, strengthening the middle class, standing up to vladimir putin, you name it. i standing up to vladimir putin, you name it. , , standing up to vladimir putin, you name it. , standing up to vladimir putin, you nameit. , , name it. i suppose the point is whether everything _ name it. i suppose the point is whether everything we - name it. i suppose the point is whether everything we saw - name it. i suppose the point is| whether everything we saw last name it. i suppose the point is - whether everything we saw last night around the question of age simply drowned out all of the rest of it. i know what you said about known names to a lot of the quotes but in the new york times one veteran democratic strategist said joe biden has a deep well of affection among democrats but that has run dry, if thatis democrats but that has run dry, if that is the prevailing sentiment,

that is the prevailing sentiment, thatis that is the prevailing sentiment, that is a real problem in terms of the panic, that phrase will keep hearing about, that has knocked around since the hours after that debate. �* ., around since the hours after that debate. �* . , , . ., debate. again, this is the same joe biden who debate. again, this is the same joe itiden who in _ debate. again, this is the same joe biden who in the _ debate. again, this is the same joe biden who in the state _ debate. again, this is the same joe biden who in the state of _ debate. again, this is the same joe biden who in the state of the - debate. again, this is the same joe j biden who in the state of the union addressjust a couple biden who in the state of the union address just a couple of months ago was vital, wasn't using a teleprompter, made the republicans look silly, the samejoe biden that ate kevin mccarthy speaker of the house for lunch, which is why he had to step down over negotiations over the united states budget. republicans complained about how much joe republicans complained about how muchjoe biden took advantage of kevin mccarty. it wasn't a great look last night but it is the same person, the good thing about having the debate in latejune as opposed to late october, joe biden could show this was an anomaly dart when you say that, the debate was time for an hour to get the campaign back

on the rails, to lay some of those fears, it's not only didn't do that, it doubled down on those fears. i do not disagree — it doubled down on those fears. i do not disagree that this was not joe biden— not disagree that this was not joe biden double bass note. the campaign -- joe _ biden double bass note. the campaign —— joe biden's best night. i'm sure you yourself— —— joe biden's best night. i'm sure you yourself and your views, certainly _ you yourself and your views, certainly the people in the us, say it is not— certainly the people in the us, say it is not going to be joe biden against — it is not going to be joe biden against donald trump, is it? well, it says. _ against donald trump, is it? well, it says. that — against donald trump, is it? well, it says, that was not joe against donald trump, is it? well, it says, that was notjoe biden double — it says, that was notjoe biden double bass to the that this is the same _ double bass to the that this is the same person,. ithink double bass to the that this is the same person,. i think you can dispel the notion— same person,. i think you can dispel the notion easilyjust like when donald — the notion easilyjust like when donald trump was told to step down in 2016. _ donald trump was told to step down in 2016. he — donald trump was told to step down in 2016, he overcame there, people need _ in 2016, he overcame there, people need to— in 2016, he overcame there, people need to take a breath, count to ten, relax— need to take a breath, count to ten, relax a _ need to take a breath, count to ten, relax a little — need to take a breath, count to ten, relax a little bit, rather than all

these _ relax a little bit, rather than all these unnamed people, we have no idea who _ these unnamed people, we have no idea who they are, speaking who may or may— idea who they are, speaking who may or may notes — idea who they are, speaking who may or may notes know what they are talking _ or may notes know what they are talking about.— or may notes know what they are talkin: about. , ., , ., talking about. this was a comes down to a cognitive — talking about. this was a comes down to a cognitive decline, _ talking about. this was a comes down to a cognitive decline, that _ talking about. this was a comes down to a cognitive decline, that is - talking about. this was a comes down to a cognitive decline, that is what. to a cognitive decline, that is what donald trump and other republicans are saying, i know what you are saying, but for our viewers watching around the world, let me get you to address if there was a change, i know you think there shouldn't be and there won't be, but if there was, explain how that could be done at this stage and who else might pick up the pattern. i at this stage and who else might pick up the pattern.— pick up the pattern. i think if --eole pick up the pattern. i think if people understand _ pick up the pattern. i think if. people understand democratic pick up the pattern. i think if- people understand democratic party dynamics and the process, these people should saying joe biden should step down and we will have a vital, young, articulate candidate really don't know what they're talking about. but i will indulge you. it would possible forjoe biden to decide for whatever reason, again

he is neck and neck in the post today, it is not like he is underwater, ifjoe biden for whatever reason decided not to continue at this stage of the game, there would be what they call an open convention for the democrats in chicago in late august, in all likelihood i think kamala harris would be the person to merge from that as the democratic nominee. i think all the polls indicate she would be weaker against donald trump thanjoe biden. democrats have a strong bench, gavin newsom, the governor of california, whitburn, the governor of michigan and the list goes on, very able, articulate, confident, successful governors and senators. i think in 2028 we will have a very vital competition for the democratic nomination and any

one of them could be a good president. could they step in as essentially as of september one with the public not really knowing much about them and become the democratic candidate and run successfully? seems top. this morning it was said ifjoe biden was involved in the process all the deep well of affection could be translated into trying to find a successor as opposed to the deep well of affection turning to anger if he stays in this campaign. could the transition not be done if he was very central to that? i do transition not be done if he was very central to that?— transition not be done if he was very central to that? i do not think it works like _ very central to that? i do not think it works like that, _ very central to that? i do not think it works like that, that _ very central to that? i do not think it works like that, that sounds - very central to that? i do not think it works like that, that sounds like j it works like that, that sounds like something that happens in fantasy football or in an alternative universe, and the political worlds we know, the deep well of affection

towards some designated person, either kamala harris, right now who the polls indicate would not fare better, would fare worse against donald trump. 0r somebody the american public simply doesn't know. we have long presidential campaigns in this country, in part for a reason so the public becomes comfortable with the idea. aha, reason so the public becomes comfortable with the idea. a final thou . ht, comfortable with the idea. a final thought. going — comfortable with the idea. a final thought, going back— comfortable with the idea. a final thought, going back to _ comfortable with the idea. a final thought, going back to joe - comfortable with the idea. a final thought, going back to joe bidenl thought, going back tojoe biden against donald trump, it will worry democrats up and down the country, won't it, people custom, campaigners who would support him, the notion, you mentioned the point that he is a convicted felon, all of those areas, has loose connection with the truth. the very fact thatjoe biden can't hit any of those targets, that must be a real it not? so hit any of those targets, that must be a real it not?— hit any of those targets, that must be a real it not? so ronald reagan and his first _ be a real it not? so ronald reagan and his first debate _ be a real it not? so ronald reagan and his first debate against - be a real it not? so ronald reagan

and his first debate against walter| and his first debate against walter mondale in 198a looked old and there were worries on the republican side when he went into the second debate which he answered by making a very well timed, well delivered joke about age. if we have and we are supposed to have a second debate, it raises the stakes certainly. my guess is the white house will put joe biden out to do more interviews and show that last night was an anomaly. again, this is the same person that ate the republican's lunch recently, gave a very strong state of the union address just a couple of months ago. i understand why people have the concerns that they do, again not a good look last night when he was stumbling forwards, but he is running against somebody, a convicted felon, rapist, fraudster, you name it. whose views frankly do not square with the vision of what american is one of the future, joe biden stand up for

the future, joe biden stand up for the american public, joe biden... donald trump is standing up for himself mainly to keep himself out ofjail. himself mainly to keep himself out of “ail. ., ., himself mainly to keep himself out of “ail. ., «i , ., . himself mainly to keep himself out of “ail. . «i i. . , let's speak to our north america correspondent nomia iqbal. you will have seen the coverage, you were listening to that, you were watching last night, give me a sense of what people are making of what they saw. tote of what people are making of what the saw. ~ ., ., , of what people are making of what the saw. ~ . «i , , , ., they saw. we are in key swing state north carolina. _ they saw. we are in key swing state north carolina, the _ they saw. we are in key swing state north carolina, the first _ they saw. we are in key swing state north carolina, the first place - they saw. we are in key swing state north carolina, the first place joe i north carolina, the first placejoe biden comes to after the debate last day, expecting him here in a few hours, essentially a sports arena, not sure how much you can see behind me but you have to stage and bleachers were some of the supporters are sat and they will be watching his speech, rappers will be

performing, acquire was rehearsing just a few moments ago. in terms of how people feel, they have just started a comment. but they are here because they still support the president, people with president biden t—shirts, flags, people smiling, you will get those democrats, we have been seen this last night, who say it wasn't the best performance butjudge him on the time he has been in office. that will not be the view of everyone of course. there are all these questions being asked, president biden wakes up this morning to head vine is questioning whether he is still fit to run. what would be the procedure for president biden to suddenly be not in the race any more? he would ultimately have to stand down, there is no indication she plans to do that, no indication

from anyone they want him to do here. , , ., _ from anyone they want him to do here. , i. _ ., here. interesting you say that because to — here. interesting you say that because to underline - here. interesting you say that because to underline the - here. interesting you say that| because to underline the point here. interesting you say that. because to underline the point in the last 20 minutes or so the chair of the democratic party has been talking to the bbc and told his fellow party members to stop hand—wringing, roll up your sleeves and do the work, joe biden doesn't run away from a fight, never well, you get the sentiment you were just ascribing to us. i suppose one of the key dynamics gary 0'donoghue was talking about is the group of undecideds and how they respond to what they saw. undecideds and how they respond to what they saw-— what they saw. ultimately, that is what they saw. ultimately, that is why president _ what they saw. ultimately, that is why president biden _ what they saw. ultimately, that is why president biden is _ what they saw. ultimately, that is why president biden is coming - what they saw. ultimately, that is why president biden is coming to| what they saw. ultimately, that is | why president biden is coming to a place like north carolina, why donald trump is doing the same, the election result will be decided in a few key swing states, he is going to new york later, showing that he is full of energy, still going to campaign but ultimately it is about

for them voter turnout, persuading those on the margins, that is the key question, does he have enough of them to be persuaded by his performance? we are still under clear how much debates swing the election, not a lot of evidence to suggest they do, there is another one coming up in september. i suspect that the democrats will think, look, it is onlyjune, the election isn't until november, early voting begins in september. a lot will happen until then and the political cycle in this country move so quickly that people might not remember this right now. they also will point the fact that president joe biden was almost dismissed during the midterm election, the democratic party would suffer losses, wouldn't hold on to the senate, they did to that, they will argue we do not pay attention to

those polls. it is one of the situations we will have to keep seeing as time goes on, but here there are still enthusiasm for president biden, people have come here to see him and he will be due to get on that stage in a couple of hours to address his supporters here. ~ , ., ,., hours to address his supporters here. ~ , ., i. here. we will be about you when he dies, here. we will be about you when he dies. nomia — here. we will be about you when he dies, nomia iqbal, _ here. we will be about you when he dies, nomia iqbal, interesting- here. we will be about you when he dies, nomia iqbal, interesting to i dies, nomia iqbal, interesting to see what words he chooses, when he does speak, whether he directly addresses the avalanche of headlines that we are seeing notjust there in the united states but around the world in terms of how that debate actually went. in terms of healthy democrats wanted a change they could change, tell me more about that process. we

a change they could change, tell me more about that process.— more about that process. we do not have a system _ more about that process. we do not have a system like _ more about that process. we do not have a system like many _ more about that process. we do not have a system like many european l have a system like many european democracies where the party elected divisions can decide to replace departing leader, it is the democratic convention in august that will pick the nominees for the party and several thousand delegates selected from the states and local governments around the country, they are the decision maker. they are pledged to vote forjoe biden in the states they won the primary election, technically speaking they do not have to vote for him but they almost certainly would if he stayed in the process. if president biden were to the site to stand down, he would release those delegates to vote for whoever they might prove her, he might very well and there are particular, may be his vice president kamala harris, that would have no legal effect but the

delegates would still be in the position to have to make the decision on who they vote for to represent the party in the fall election. 50 represent the party in the fall election. . , , ., election. so technically there is an avenue, election. so technically there is an avenue. it — election. so technically there is an avenue, it could _ election. so technically there is an avenue, it could be _ election. so technically there is an avenue, it could be done, - election. so technically there is an avenue, it could be done, when i election. so technically there is an | avenue, it could be done, when we hear this phrase and open convention, what does that exactly mean as opposed to a close convention?— mean as opposed to a close convention? 1, , .. , ., ., , convention? basically, we had open convention? basically, we had open convention is _ convention? basically, we had open convention is all _ convention? basically, we had open convention is all the _ convention? basically, we had open convention is all the way _ convention? basically, we had open convention is all the way until- convention? basically, we had open convention is all the way until the i convention is all the way until the 19705 when we created our new system of primary elections in which voters choose the candidate, so an open convention basically means no one goes into the convention with a majority of the delegates already pledged to that person. and the delegates or leading figures in the party, the convention with have to negotiate between the different factions of the party and would have to try to settle in some nominee if they can form a consensus, that person would get those votes. if

not, it would have to be put two of the vote and we would have to see who got a majority of the vote of delegates at the democratic party convention. in the old days, delegates were chosen to play the show because it was understood they would end up negotiating and choosing the candidate. in the modern error which starts in the 19705 here, the delegates aren't chosen for that, we haven't had an open convention since be shifted to the primary elections, this would be very unprecedented in the modern error, starting in the 19705. we don't know what the process would look like. for don't know what the process would look like. ., , .,, ., ., don't know what the process would look like. ., , ., ., ., look like. for people who do not follow a in _ look like. for people who do not follow a in politics _ look like. for people who do not follow a in politics as _ look like. for people who do not follow a in politics as closely - look like. for people who do not follow a in politics as closely as| follow a in politics as closely as perhaps you do —— american politics, in terms of historically, the sorts of names of presidents that were thrown up through that process, who springs to mind? filth. thrown up through that process, who springs to mind?— springs to mind? oh, well, basically all of our president, _

springs to mind? oh, well, basically all of our president, abraham - all of our president, abraham lincoln was chosen through a broker and an open convention that went many rounds. teddy roosevelt. many of our candidates have been chosen not in the first ballot at the convention, didn't get the majority of the first round votes but got overtime a majority of the delegates as the open convention process played out. aha, as the open convention process played out-— as the open convention process played out. a final twin thought, then, listening _ played out. a final twin thought, then, listening to _ played out. a final twin thought, then, listening to one _ played out. a final twin thought, then, listening to one democrat| then, listening to one democrat strategist on the radio this morning talking about the dangers of the convention that lies ahead if we got into this sort of territory, talking about how perhaps groups of activists killed in a sense get into bubbles and actually lose site of the bigger picture, and also the alternative strategy, which would be to abiding excepting the advice to

stand aside from barack obama or others, and endorsing a candidate making a quite simple. two potential avenues ahead. ii making a quite simple. two potential avenues ahead.— avenues ahead. if you go to the oint avenues ahead. if you go to the point president _ avenues ahead. if you go to the point president joe _ avenues ahead. if you go to the point president joe biden - avenues ahead. if you go to the i point president joe biden decided avenues ahead. if you go to the - point president joe biden decided to point presidentjoe biden decided to stand down, i think there would be an effort among party leaders including president biden may be including president biden may be including former president barack obama and others to try to settle on some consensus choice within the party leadership, to go into the convention in a more unified pasture with the hope then that the majority of the delegates would get behind whoever that sort of party leadership decided the kind of anoint in the event that president biden decided to stand down. i know it is not exactly _ biden decided to stand down. i know it is not exactly your _ biden decided to stand down. i know it is not exactly your field, _ biden decided to stand down. i know it is not exactly your field, very - it is not exactly your field, very much a political question but i will ask it to you anyway, do you think any of that will happen? i ask it to you anyway, do you think any of that will happen?—

any of that will happen? i think it is really too _ any of that will happen? i think it is really too early _ any of that will happen? i think it is really too early to _ any of that will happen? i think it is really too early to assess - any of that will happen? i think it is really too early to assess that. | is really too early to assess that. you know, i'm not a political kind of commentator in any event but i am always a little bit concerned about hertz mentality in the immediate aftermath of an event so i would want to see it as settle out of a little bit of time here. fascinating to talk to you. — little bit of time here. fascinating to talk to you, a _ little bit of time here. fascinating to talk to you, a different - little bit of time here. fascinating to talk to you, a different angle i little bit of time here. fascinating| to talk to you, a different angle to some of the things we have discussing in such detail through the course of the early hours of the programme, thank you forjoining us here on bbc news. 0ur colleagues at americast have recorded a special episode about the first presidential debate. you can download americast, and get reaction and analysis from sarah smith, antony zurcher, justin webb and others — available now on bbc sounds. that is what the real lesson after what we saw overnight. plenty more on that story in the hours ahead.

the prime minister rishi sunak has condemned a racist term used about him by a reform uk campaigner, saying: "it hurts and it makes me angry". it follows comments caught on camera by a team from channel a news, in which the campaigner uses a racist term to describe mr sunak, and suggests that migrants crossing the channel should be used for target practice. that party worker has since said his comments were personal — and not representative of the party. the reform uk leader, nigel farage, has distanced himself from the remarks. 0ur political correspondent iain watson has the story — we should warn you, his report contains language — which some might find offensive. reform uk under scrutiny from an undercover reporter, this campaigner in clacton a racist term used to describe the prime minister,

and views on what the are due to illegal immigrants. the campaigner andrew parker said they hadn't told nigel farage about his views and apologised if he brought the party into disrepute but, hang on, channel a also heard the views of another campaigner, this time on gay people and the rainbow flag. now, it should be stressed that these are campaigners, not candidates. they are self—selecting volunteers although the second one you heard from is well known to nigel farage. he has of course had problems with the actual candidates too but blamed that on the vetting company employed for not doing theirjob. but other party leaders say that nigel farage himself should take responsibility for those who support him. my two daughters have to see and hear reform people who campaign for nigel farage calling me an bleep. it hurts, it makes me angry.

i think he has some questions to answer. i don't repeat those words lightly, i do so deliberately because this is too important not to call out clearly for what it is. you have to ask the question why so many people who are supporting reform seem to be exposed in this particular way. it's for a leader to change his or her party to make sure the culture is right and the standards are understood by everybody within the party. nigel farage says those campaigners in clacton are no longer on his campaign. perhaps one of the reasons the odd person like this gravitates - towards us is because ironically the bnp don't exist any more. i when we find out who they are, we get rid of them, end of. - nigel farage tends to subscribe to the adage there is no such thing as bad publicity but in this campaign that theory is being tested almost to destruction. iain watson, bbc news.

nigel farage has claimed the racist comments made by a canvasser in an undercover film by channel a were a "set—up". here's what he had to say to the bbc�*sjoe pike earlier this man andrew parker appeared in our office on saturday when out canvassing and came up with an endless stream of invective, no one speaks like that, it went on and on and on. 0vernight i was told he was and on. 0vernight i was told he was an actor, the daily telegraph contacted him, he denied it, we contacted him, he denied it, we contacted him, he denied it, we contacted him, he denied being an actor. later on in the morning he now accepts that he is an actor. i looked at his website, i saw some videos, he is a very well spoken actor. �* , ., , videos, he is a very well spoken actor. �* , actor. because he has acted in the ast actor. because he has acted in the past doesn't _ actor. because he has acted in the past doesn't mean _ actor. because he has acted in the past doesn't mean he _ actor. because he has acted in the past doesn't mean he was - actor. because he has acted in the past doesn't mean he was acting l actor. because he has acted in the| past doesn't mean he was acting in the comments, does it? he past doesn't mean he was acting in the comments, does it?— past doesn't mean he was acting in the comments, does it? he is a well soken the comments, does it? he is a well spoken actor — the comments, does it? he is a well spoken actor but _ the comments, does it? he is a well spoken actor but he _ the comments, does it? he is a well spoken actor but he does _ the comments, does it? he is a well spoken actor but he does what - the comments, does it? he is a well spoken actor but he does what he i spoken actor but he does what he calls rough speaking, from the moment he arrived at the office in clacton last saturday and rolled up and spoke to me he was rough speaking. and spoke to me he was rough s-ueakin. ., «i .,, ., «i

speaking. you think he was faking it? he was — speaking. you think he was faking it? he was acting _ speaking. you think he was faking it? he was acting from _ speaking. you think he was faking it? he was acting from the - speaking. you think he was faking i it? he was acting from the moment he came into the — it? he was acting from the moment he came into the office, _ it? he was acting from the moment he came into the office, i _ it? he was acting from the moment he came into the office, i 10096 _ it? he was acting from the moment he came into the office, i 10096 believe i came into the office, 1100% believe this whole thing is a total setup. we will pay you a longer part of that interview a little later in the programme. you get a sense straightaway from what nigel farage was saying there what and how he has been responding to that story using the prize setup. the broadcaster has denied this, saying, "we strongly stand by our rigorous and duly impartial journalism which speaks for itself. we met mr parkerfor the first time at reform uk party headquarters, where he was a reform party canvasser. we did not pay the reform uk canvasser or anyone else in this report. mr parker was not known to channel a news and was filmed covertly via the undercover operation. " that statement rebutting what nigel

farage has been saying from channel 4 farage has been saying from channel a news. you can see the full list of all the candidates standing in the collecting constituency. it is on the bbc news website and also on the bbc news app. —— clacton constituency. let's get back out there in terms of the campaigning and issues in a general election. in the run—up to the general election, the bbc is looking at the issues that matter most to you, as part of your voice, your vote. one major theme is the nhs — with many people experiencing long waiting times. east kent hospitals trust is among the lowest rated in the country for a&e waiting times. 0ur presenter rajini vaidyanathan is in ashford, kent now, at the blacksmith arms pub which is just down the road from the william harvey hospital. good afternoon. what is so striking about speaking _ good afternoon. what is so striking about speaking to _ good afternoon. what is so striking about speaking to people _ good afternoon. what is so striking about speaking to people here i good afternoon. what is so striking about speaking to people here at i good afternoon. what is so striking i about speaking to people here at the

blacksmiths arms is how many have a story to tell about their experiences of the nhs and that is of course because of its proximity to the local hospital here, the william harvey, but also because the health service impacts everyone in different ways. i am focusing on the situation in nhs england, because health care is a devolved issue, devolved in northern ireland and scotland, northern ireland and wales although it is worth remembering the westminster government does fund health care as part of its funding of public services across those nations. we picked east kent hospital's trust because in many ways the challenges and problems here reflects a national picture. we will look at some of that and a bit more detail when we speak to my colleaguejim reed but i have been speaking to some of the punters here having an afternoon drink so let's speak to them. mark and carol,

welcome to bbc news. you havejust come from visiting a relative in hospital and it is important to say that on that front you are pretty positive. tell me about your relatives' experience. everything has been wonderful. _ relatives' experience. everything has been wonderful. they - relatives' experience. everything has been wonderful. they have i relatives' experience. everything i has been wonderful. they have been really _ has been wonderful. they have been really kind _ has been wonderful. they have been really kind and caring.— really kind and caring. mark, what about you? _ really kind and caring. mark, what about you? i _ really kind and caring. mark, what about you? i have _ really kind and caring. mark, what about you? i have been _ really kind and caring. mark, whatl about you? i have been impressed. really kind and caring. mark, what i about you? i have been impressed. we had the relative _ about you? i have been impressed. we had the relative and _ about you? i have been impressed. we had the relative and critical _ about you? i have been impressed. we had the relative and critical care - had the relative and critical care for three — had the relative and critical care for three weeks— had the relative and critical care for three weeks and _ had the relative and critical care for three weeks and i— had the relative and critical care for three weeks and i have i had the relative and critical care for three weeks and i have seen had the relative and critical care - for three weeks and i have seen many staff who _ for three weeks and i have seen many staff who are — for three weeks and i have seen many staff who are clearly _ for three weeks and i have seen many staff who are clearly very _ for three weeks and i have seen many staff who are clearly very busy, - for three weeks and i have seen many staff who are clearly very busy, but i staff who are clearly very busy, but they very _ staff who are clearly very busy, but they very much _ staff who are clearly very busy, but they very much would _ staff who are clearly very busy, but they very much would go _ staff who are clearly very busy, but they very much would go the - staff who are clearly very busy, but they very much would go the extral they very much would go the extra mile _ they very much would go the extra mile i_ they very much would go the extra mile i am — they very much would go the extra mile. lam really— they very much would go the extra mile. i am really impressed. - mile. i am really impressed. positive _ mile. i am really impressed. positive story. _ mile. i am really impressed. positive story. a— mile. i am really impressed. positive story. a bit- mile. i am really impressed. positive story. a bit of- mile. i am really impressed. positive story. a bit of a i mile. i am really impressed. i positive story. a bit of a contrast to what we heard on the last hour. 0ne to what we heard on the last hour. one of your biggest gripes is getting a gp appointment. tell me about your story. the getting a gp appointment. tell me about your story.— about your story. the last time we ran: about your story. the last time we rang there — about your story. the last time we rang there were _ about your story. the last time we rang there were 434 _ about your story. the last time we rang there were 434 people i about your story. the last time we rang there were 434 people in i about your story. the last time we rang there were 434 people in the | rang there were 434 people in the queue _ rang there were 434 people in the queue so— rang there were 434 people in the queue so i— rang there were 434 people in the queue so ijust have to hang on, —— 34. queue so ijust have to hang on, —— 34 once _ queue so ijust have to hang on, —— 34 once you — queue so ijust have to hang on, —— 34. once you hang on they are really

helpful— 34. once you hang on they are really helpful but _ 34. once you hang on they are really helpful but it is really hard to 'ust helpful but it is really hard to just that _ helpful but it is really hard to just that they're waiting and saying you are _ just that they're waiting and saying you are 34 — just that they're waiting and saying you are 34 in do you know he will vote _ you are 34 in do you know he will vote for? — you are 34 in do you know he will vote for? not yet, i haven't made up my mind _ vote for? not yet, i haven't made up m mind. ., . , . my mind. you deciding between? all of them. my mind. you deciding between? all of them- we — my mind. you deciding between? all of them. we saw _ my mind. you deciding between? all of them. we saw some _ my mind. you deciding between? all of them. we saw some conservative | of them. we saw some conservative candidates out there in the morning. a fairly comfortable majority for them, but a lot of people we have spoken to aren't necessarily going to opt for them here. we spoken to aren't necessarily going to opt for them here.— to opt for them here. we are only one week away — to opt for them here. we are only one week away and _ to opt for them here. we are only one week away and i _ to opt for them here. we are only one week away and i don't - to opt for them here. we are only one week away and i don't have i to opt for them here. we are only one week away and i don't have a| one week away and i don't have a clue _ one week away and i don't have a clue i_ one week away and i don't have a clue idon't— one week away and i don't have a clue. i don't see _ one week away and i don't have a clue. i don't see a _ one week away and i don't have a clue. i don't see a dramatic- clue. i don't see a dramatic difference _ clue. i don't see a dramatic difference between - clue. i don't see a dramatic difference between labourl clue. i don't see a dramatic. difference between labour and clue. i don't see a dramatic- difference between labour and the conservatives _ difference between labour and the conservatives when _ difference between labour and the conservatives when they _ difference between labour and the conservatives when they are - difference between labour and the conservatives when they are in i conservatives when they are in government _ conservatives when they are in government. whoever- conservatives when they are in government. whoever it - conservatives when they are in government. whoever it is- conservatives when they are in i government. whoever it is there is huge _ government. whoever it is there is huge challenges _ government. whoever it is there is huge challenges there. _ government. whoever it is there is huge challenges there. the - government. whoever it is there is huge challenges there. the greenl huge challenges there. the green party— huge challenges there. the green party i_ huge challenges there. the green party i am — huge challenges there. the green party i am interested _ huge challenges there. the green party i am interested in _ huge challenges there. the green party i am interested in and - huge challenges there. the green. party i am interested in and they're quite _ party i am interested in and they're quite radical— party i am interested in and they're quite radical proposals _ party i am interested in and they're quite radical proposals but - party i am interested in and they're quite radical proposals but they. party i am interested in and they're quite radical proposals but they are being _ quite radical proposals but they are being very— quite radical proposals but they are being very open _ quite radical proposals but they are being very open about _ quite radical proposals but they are being very open about the - quite radical proposals but they are being very open about the funding. | quite radical proposals but they are l being very open about the funding. i recognise _ being very open about the funding. i recognise they — being very open about the funding. i recognise they won't _ being very open about the funding. i recognise they won't be _ being very open about the funding. i recognise they won't be in _ recognise they won't be in government— recognise they won't be in government but— recognise they won't be in government but we - recognise they won't be in government but we need. recognise they won't be in i government but we need an recognise they won't be in _ government but we need an opposition saying _ government but we need an opposition saying the _ government but we need an opposition saying the right — government but we need an opposition saying the right thing. _ government but we need an opposition saying the right thing. thank— government but we need an opposition saying the right thing.— saying the right thing. thank you very much- _ saying the right thing. thank you

very much. let's _ saying the right thing. thank you very much. let's go _ saying the right thing. thank you very much. let's go to _ saying the right thing. thank you very much. let's go to the i saying the right thing. thank you very much. let's go to the next i very much. let's go to the next table, where we have got ellie and chantelle who are tucking into their lunch. where shall i sit? let's start with you, ellie. we were talking over there to carol about the challenges of getting a gp appointment. what is your experience? i appointment. what is your experience?— appointment. what is your exerience? «i , experience? i think it is quite difficult. not— experience? i think it is quite difficult. not a _ experience? i think it is quite difficult. not a great - experience? i think it is quite i difficult. not a great experience. quite _ difficult. not a great experience. quite difficult to get a gp appointment around here. quite difficult to get a gp a- ointment around here. . ., appointment around here. hanging on the hone. appointment around here. hanging on the phone. definitely. _ appointment around here. hanging on the phone. definitely. quite _ appointment around here. hanging on the phone. definitely. quite a - appointment around here. hanging on the phone. definitely. quite a long i the phone. definitely. quite a long wait and even _ the phone. definitely. quite a long wait and even when _ the phone. definitely. quite a long wait and even when you _ the phone. definitely. quite a long wait and even when you do - the phone. definitely. quite a long wait and even when you do wait i the phone. definitely. quite a long i wait and even when you do wait there isn't enough — wait and even when you do wait there isn't enough appointment is run one of the _ isn't enough appointment is run one of the surgery so you often have to bring _ of the surgery so you often have to bring the _ of the surgery so you often have to bring the next day again and wait in the cute _ bring the next day again and wait in the cute. . ., «i the cute. chantelle, we were talking about access — the cute. chantelle, we were talking about access to _ the cute. chantelle, we were talking about access to hospital _ the cute. chantelle, we were talking about access to hospital care. i the cute. chantelle, we were talking about access to hospital care. you i about access to hospital care. you have got a story about some of the challenges in your family. have got a story about some of the challenges in yourfamily. mr; have got a story about some of the challenges in your family. my father in law is waiting _ challenges in your family. my father in law is waiting for _ challenges in your family. my father in law is waiting for a _ challenges in your family. my father in law is waiting for a new— challenges in your family. my father in law is waiting for a new knee i in law is waiting for a new knee replacement— in law is waiting for a new knee replacement and _ in law is waiting for a new knee replacement and he _ in law is waiting for a new knee replacement and he is- in law is waiting for a new knee replacement and he is in- in law is waiting for a new knee replacement and he is in pain i in law is waiting for a new knee i replacement and he is in pain but is that at— replacement and he is in pain but is that at least — replacement and he is in pain but is that at least six _ replacement and he is in pain but is that at least six months. _ replacement and he is in pain but is that at least six months. inth?- replacement and he is in pain but is that at least six months.— that at least six months. why is the wait that long? _

that at least six months. why is the wait that long? i _ that at least six months. why is the wait that long? i don't _ that at least six months. why is the wait that long? i don't know. i that at least six months. why is the wait that long? i don't know. he i wait that long? i don't know. he hasn't said- _ wait that long? i don't know. he hasn't said. and _ wait that long? i don't know. he hasn't said. and he _ wait that long? i don't know. he hasn't said. and he is _ wait that long? i don't know. he hasn't said. and he is in - hasn't said. and he is in considerable _ hasn't said. and he is in considerable pain i hasn't said. and he is in considerable pain as - hasn't said. and he is in considerable pain as he | hasn't said. and he is in - considerable pain as he waits. hasn't said. and he is in _ considerable pain as he waits. what does that make you feel about this coral state of the health service? angry and sad because i know the staff work— angry and sad because i know the staff work hard _ angry and sad because i know the staff work hard at _ angry and sad because i know the staff work hard at the _ angry and sad because i know the staff work hard at the hospitals i angry and sad because i know the| staff work hard at the hospitals but it is just _ staff work hard at the hospitals but it isiust unfair_ staff work hard at the hospitals but it isjust unfair when _ staff work hard at the hospitals but it is just unfair when you _ staff work hard at the hospitals but it isjust unfair when you are - staff work hard at the hospitals but it isjust unfair when you are in - it isjust unfair when you are in that_ it isjust unfair when you are in that much_ it isjust unfair when you are in that much pain _ it isjust unfair when you are in that much pain that _ it isjust unfair when you are in that much pain that you - it isjust unfair when you are in that much pain that you have l it isjust unfair when you are inl that much pain that you have to wait _ that much pain that you have to wait. ~ ~ , that much pain that you have to wait. ~ . , i, that much pain that you have to wait. ~ . , ., “ that much pain that you have to wait. . , «m wait. which party do you think is auoin to wait. which party do you think is going to be _ wait. which party do you think is going to be the _ wait. which party do you think is going to be the best _ wait. which party do you think is going to be the best at - wait. which party do you think is going to be the best at taking i wait. which party do you think is l going to be the best at taking care of the health service, do you know he will vote for?— of the health service, do you know he will vote for? undecided. between robabl he will vote for? undecided. between probably labour— he will vote for? undecided. between probably labour and _ he will vote for? undecided. between probably labour and the _ probably labour and the conservatives. - probably labour and the conservatives.— probably labour and the conservatives. ~ ., , ., , probably labour and the conservatives. ~ ., , ., conservatives. who did you put for less time? — conservatives. who did you put for less time? conservatives - conservatives. who did you put for less time? conservatives but - conservatives. who did you put for less time? conservatives but they| less time? conservatives but they haven't been _ less time? conservatives but they haven't been great. _ less time? conservatives but they haven't been great. have - less time? conservatives but they haven't been great. have you - less time? conservatives but they - haven't been great. have you decided who ou haven't been great. have you decided who you will — haven't been great. have you decided who you will vote _ haven't been great. have you decided who you will vote for, _ haven't been great. have you decided who you will vote for, less _ haven't been great. have you decided who you will vote for, less than - haven't been great. have you decided who you will vote for, less than a - who you will vote for, less than a week now. it who you will vote for, less than a week now-— who you will vote for, less than a week now. , , , ., week now. it is my first time voting this ear. week now. it is my first time voting this year- i — week now. it is my first time voting this year. i don't _ week now. it is my first time voting this year. i don't know _ week now. it is my first time voting this year. i don't know who - week now. it is my first time voting this year. i don't know who i - week now. it is my first time voting this year. i don't know who i will. this year. i don't know who i will vote _ this year. i don't know who i will vote for~ — this year. i don't know who i will vote for. probably labour or conservative at. but vote for. probably labour or conservative at.— vote for. probably labour or conservative at. but still could undecided- _ conservative at. but still could undecided. it _ conservative at. but still could undecided. it is _ conservative at. but still could undecided. it is interesting - conservative at. but still could - undecided. it is interesting because a lot of people that we have spoken to still don't know who they will vote for and this is normally quite

a conservatively comfortable seat but the majority of more than 17,000. i will come over and join my colleaguejim reed our health correspondence. just wrapping up live setup. we have some positive experiences from the hospital system here once you are in, but we have got chantelle's father—in—law there who were still waiting to get seen, six months he has been told. and the challenge as well here it seems to be getting that initial front door of a gp appointment. just wrap that all into how this fits into the picture with nhs england. if you look at the _ picture with nhs england. if you look at the number _ picture with nhs england. if you look at the number one - picture with nhs england. if you look at the number one reason i picture with nhs england. if you look at the number one reason people say they— look at the number one reason people say they are _ look at the number one reason people say they are dissatisfied with the nhs it— say they are dissatisfied with the nhs it is— say they are dissatisfied with the nhs it is access to gps. it is the most _ nhs it is access to gps. it is the most important issue to people. 68% of people _ most important issue to people. 68% of people in 2019 said they were satisfied — of people in 2019 said they were satisfied with the performance of a gp. satisfied with the performance of a gp last _ satisfied with the performance of a gp. last year to 34%. before the pandemic— gp. last year to 34%. before the pandemic now a huge change. 0ne gp. last year to 34%. before the pandemic now a huge change. one big reason _ pandemic now a huge change. one big reason for— pandemic now a huge change. one big reason for that isjust pandemic now a huge change. one big reason for that is just the fact the population— reason for that is just the fact the population is getting older so the

number_ population is getting older so the number of over85 has population is getting older so the number of over 85 has been increasing rapidly, expected to go up increasing rapidly, expected to go up by— increasing rapidly, expected to go up by another 50% over the next 15 years _ up by another 50% over the next 15 years if_ up by another 50% over the next 15 years. if you — up by another 50% over the next 15 years. if you are an 85—year—old man you are _ years. if you are an 85—year—old man you are six _ years. if you are an 85—year—old man you are six times as likely to need health— you are six times as likely to need health care — you are six times as likely to need health care as one in their 30s so that ageing — health care as one in their 30s so that ageing population is putting bil that ageing population is putting big pressure on gps. the number of full-time _ big pressure on gps. the number of full—time gps have been falling recently. — full—time gps have been falling recently, not rising, since the conservatives won the last election. in conservatives won the last election. in an _ conservatives won the last election. in an hour— conservatives won the last election. in an hour or— conservatives won the last election. in an hour or so we are hoping to speaktoa gp in an hour or so we are hoping to speak to a gp to find out about his first—hand thoughts on the state of the health service. as part constituency, you can see other candidates standing in this election on the bbc news website and you can see all the candidates standing in any seat around the country if you go to the website and you put in the name of the seat.— name of the seat. thank you. more from ou name of the seat. thank you. more from you in — name of the seat. thank you. more from you in across _ name of the seat. thank you. more from you in across the _ name of the seat. thank you. more from you in across the afternoon. l hundreds of thousands of young people are eligible to vote

for the first time this year. with six days to go until the general election, bbc newsbeat is reaching the home straight of its race across the uk — speaking to young voters across the country about the issues that matter most to them. newsbeat�*s politics reporterjordan kenney has made it to his latest checkpoint in bradford. let's cross live tojordan now. welcome to the programme. remind us what you have been up to.— what you have been up to. welcome to bradford, which _ what you have been up to. welcome to bradford, which is _ what you have been up to. welcome to bradford, which is checkpoint - what you have been up to. welcome to bradford, which is checkpoint 12 - bradford, which is checkpoint 12 hour race across the uk. we started just over two weeks ago and we are racing from the bottom of the country right to the top in time for polling day, speaking along the way to young voters about what is most important to them ahead of the election. we are in bradford. right now we are in a pretty fancy shop. this is the uk's first asian owned department store and the reason we

are here, we have teamed up with some bbc colleagues having a look behind the scenes, this is the bbc world service setting up for an outside broadcast on the outside source. we will be speaking to young voters digging down into the issues that matter to the most ahead of the election on the lith ofjuly. to that matter to the most ahead of the election on the 4th ofjuly.— election on the 4th ofjuly. to me a bit more about _ election on the 4th ofjuly. to me a bit more about issues. _ election on the 4th ofjuly. to me a bit more about issues. when - election on the 4th ofjuly. to me a| bit more about issues. when people come and talk to you what are the main things they have been wanting to talk about? we main things they have been wanting to talk about?— main things they have been wanting to talk about? we have been out and about in the — to talk about? we have been out and about in the city _ to talk about? we have been out and about in the city centre _ to talk about? we have been out and about in the city centre here - to talk about? we have been out and about in the city centre here in - about in the city centre here in bradford this morning and some of theissues bradford this morning and some of the issues we have been coming up with, the nhs, that has been a big one for young people here in bradford city centre. we were speaking to 23—year—old neave told me her grandad and brother are both waiting for treatment and when she is thinking about who she will vote for she is looking at what the parties are telling her about how they are going to prioritise the nhs. that is what she is singing about. others are telling us it is a cost of living. that is something that has come up on every checkpoint

we have got to suffer. cost of living is one of the biggest issues for young people as we head into this election. lots of young voters will be looking at what parties are promising them when it comes to who they will put a tick beside on polling day. they will put a tick beside on polling day-— they will put a tick beside on polling day. give me a sense, because i— polling day. give me a sense, because i know _ polling day. give me a sense, because i know we _ polling day. give me a sense, because i know we have - polling day. give me a sense, because i know we have been| polling day. give me a sense, i because i know we have been on the road for a number of days and weeks, are you seeing any sort of shift at all in terms of the conversations you have been having? {line all in terms of the conversations you have been having?— all in terms of the conversations you have been having? one of the most interesting _ you have been having? one of the most interesting conversations i you have been having? one of the most interesting conversations we have been having is about whether or not young people are going to vote. lots of young people we speak to are telling us they are eligible to vote but they are not going to, because they say they don't trust politicians. they don't feel like they're being told the truth or that promises are being made are things that are going to come good. that is one of the things young people are telling us. whether or not politicians have done enough to convince them to come out and vote on the lith ofjuly we will find out next week.

on the 4th ofjuly we will find out next week-— on the 4th ofjuly we will find out next week._ next| on the 4th ofjuly we will find out i next week._ next we next week. where to next? next we are auoin next week. where to next? next we are going to — next week. where to next? next we are going to newcastle. _ next week. where to next? next we are going to newcastle. but - next week. where to next? next we are going to newcastle. but will- next week. where to next? next we are going to newcastle. but will be| are going to newcastle. but will be checkpoint 13 for the one of our listeners has got in touch asking us to come there and speak to young people the city. we will go there before we cross into scotland and we have to make it to the finish line on the 3rd ofjuly which is at the other end of the country. we have got the pressure on and the finish line is quite a distance away and time is ticking!— time is ticking! thank you for takin: time is ticking! thank you for taking time _ time is ticking! thank you for taking time to _ time is ticking! thank you for taking time to talk _ time is ticking! thank you for taking time to talk to - time is ticking! thank you for taking time to talk to us i time is ticking! thank you for l taking time to talk to us during your race around the uk. live now to bradford — and political reporter aisha iqbal. you have been having conversations. give me a sense of the big issues but people have been mentioning to you? but people have been mentioning to ou? ~ .., but people have been mentioning to ou? . . ., ., but people have been mentioning to ou? ., �* ., ., , you? welcome to bradford. this will be the uk city _ you? welcome to bradford. this will be the uk city of _ you? welcome to bradford. this will be the uk city of culture _ you? welcome to bradford. this will be the uk city of culture in - you? welcome to bradford. this will be the uk city of culture in 2025. i be the uk city of culture in 2025. all around me there is roadworks, for the last year they have been working around the clock to get

ready for that. some of the issues jordan mentioned very much, because of living crisis, the state of the nhs. that is very much in people's minds. bradford is a district almost like a tale of two cities, five constituencies, bradford west, east and south, those are your urban inner—city areas, then the outer lying more rural areas, more affluent areas, shipley and keighley. all of those have individually different stories to tell and interesting stories to tell. interesting implications for how this election will play out. for example you have got a large muslim population in the urban areas. very much on their minds this time around, the middle east crisis and theissue around, the middle east crisis and the issue of gaza. the labour party in particular has a real headache with this issue when it comes to that particular community, we are in the shadow of city halljust behind me, the seat of politics in bradford. the council here have had their own problems around this in

their own problems around this in the local elections, injune, may rather, they lost several seats, the ruling administration, the independent candidates who came in purely on a gaza platform. now the independents form the joint largest opposition group in city hall along with the conservatives. that is interesting in itself was not in a rural heartland you have seen such shipley, deeply and locally. keighley is a bellwether seat, one that tends to vote with the government of the day and it will be an interesting one to watch. it has tended to flip—flop over the last few elections and it will be an interesting battle on the night. traditionally tends to be between labour and the conservatives, but over there as well, a bit of a surge of independent candidates and just two days ago i was out there speaking to people, the same issues coming up. the regeneration of our high streets and the district town and centres is another issue in areas like those districts because that has been talk of levelling up

over the years but what does it actually mean in real terms for the people on the ground? that is something people with a little bit more, from all the parties. thank ou for more, from all the parties. thank you for providing _ more, from all the parties. thank you for providing that _ more, from all the parties. thank you for providing that snapshots i you for providing that snapshots where you are and right through the course of the day and the coming next six days we will be going to different parts of the uk, just trying to gauge how things are with this general election campaign in various parts of the countries, the issues that are playing big. that is the latest from bradford. just a reminder that coming up on your screen now is the full list of all candidates standing in bradford west at this general election and you can see that list if you head to the bbc website and also the bbc news app. the snp campaign bus has taken to the road for the first time. party leader and scottish first ministerjohn swinney stepped off the vehicle for a campaign event in edinburgh. he says it will carry the snp's message to all parts of the country — and that his key message is that

only the snp can be trusted to stand up for scotland in westminster. our correspondent catriona renton was waiting for the bus to make its first stop — and she sent us this update. well, you join us on a very windy calton hill here in central edinburgh, where the snp have just launched their brand new campaign bus, which they're going to criss—cross the country in over the last six days of the campaign, taking their message out to voters. we spoke to the first minister a few minutes ago. voters in scotland are concerned about austerity, about brexit and the cost—of—living and all the damage that's doing to their lives in scotland. our answer to that is to make sure decisions are made in scotland, for scotland. now we know that the labour party are winning this election in england. in scotland, however, there's a real contest and people in scotland, if they want to make sure that there's strong voices to protect us against austerity and to ensure

that we can make progress on scotland's constitutional journey, people have got to vote for the snp. as you heard there, the first minister's message to voters is that they want people to vote for the snp. they believe that the labour party will win the general election, so they believe that the snp is the party to make a difference in scotland. independence, of course, is front and centre of the snp's campaign. they say that an independent scotland will have the powers to tackle austerity, the cost of living and the effects of brexit, which they say have been damaging. there's another issue coming to light here in scotland and that's about postal votes. our schools have just broken up for the school holidays and many people try to get away before the english schools break up so that they can get cheaper deals. the consequence of that is that many people will be away on holiday on ltth july and if they've not received their postal vote before they go they're going to not

have the opportunity to vote. there are calls for a reform of that system in light of what has happened here in future elections. the bus is going to make its way down towards the borders. staying with scotland — and edinburgh city council says it's taking urgent steps to make sure people can cast their vote in next week's general election amid concern about delayed postal ballots. a facility is open at the city chambers from today to allow residents to request a new voting pack. for the first time, two of the three headline acts at glastonbury this year will be women. along with coldplay, sza and dua lipa are the main acts performing. 200 thousand people are expected at the uk's biggest music festival this weekend, and our entertainment correspondent colin paterson is among them. let's speak to our news correspondent emily brown. it is the first full day of music

here at glastonbury festival. cake p0p here at glastonbury festival. cake pop band 17 havejust here at glastonbury festival. cake pop band 17 have just finished their performance behind us on the pyramid stage but we expect this area to become very busy over the next few days because jewelry pouch will be the opening headliner this evening. —— dua lipa. many people are very excited, but there are lots of brilliant artists who will be performing over the weekend. i managed to catch up with corinne bailey wright will be performing on the west holds stage tomorrow and she spoke to me a little earlier. i love it here, i have played here with— love it here, i have played here with all— love it here, i have played here with all four of my records which feels _ with all four of my records which feels really good, we have been having _ feels really good, we have been having lots of support from the avis family _ having lots of support from the avis family i_ having lots of support from the avis family. i love it here and of all the different stages, we have played all the _ the different stages, we have played all the different stages, i played on the _ all the different stages, i played on the west holts stage, on my first album _ on the west holts stage, on my first album it— on the west holts stage, on my first album. it feels really good and the ri-ht album. it feels really good and the right place with the music. lots

album. it feels really good and the right place with the music.- right place with the music. lots of --eole right place with the music. lots of people are — right place with the music. lots of people are very — right place with the music. lots of people are very excited _ right place with the music. lots of people are very excited to - right place with the music. lots of people are very excited to be i right place with the music. lots ofj people are very excited to be here and i caught some of them dancing behind me. what is your name? karen. adam. behind me. what is your name? karen. adam- ran- — behind me. what is your name? karen. adam- ran- who _ behind me. what is your name? karen. adam. ran. who are _ behind me. what is your name? karen. adam. ran. who are you _ behind me. what is your name? karen. adam. ran. who are you most - behind me. what is your name? karen. adam. ran. who are you most looking | adam. ran. who are you most looking forward to adam. flan. who are you most looking forward to seeing? adam. ran. who are you most looking forward to seeing? lost _ adam. ran. who are you most looking forward to seeing? lost in _ adam. ran. who are you most looking forward to seeing? lost in the - adam. ran. who are you most looking forward to seeing? lost in the party i forward to seeing? lost in the party and the gossip- _ forward to seeing? lost in the party and the gossip. national. _ forward to seeing? lost in the party and the gossip. national. lcd i forward to seeing? lost in the party| and the gossip. national. lcd sound s stem. and the gossip. national. lcd sound system- dua — and the gossip. national. lcd sound system. dua lipa. _ and the gossip. national. lcd sound system. dua lipa. are _ and the gossip. national. lcd sound system. dua lipa. are you _ and the gossip. national. lcd sound system. dua lipa. are you having i and the gossip. national. lcd sound system. dua lipa. are you having a| system. dua lipa. are you having a aood system. dua lipa. are you having a good time? — system. dua lipa. are you having a good time? fantastic— system. dua lipa. are you having a good time? fantastic time. - system. dua lipa. are you having a i good time? fantastic time. fantastic atmosphere- — good time? fantastic time. fantastic atmosphere- it _ good time? fantastic time. fantastic atmosphere. it is _ good time? fantastic time. fantastic atmosphere. it isjust _ good time? fantastic time. fantastic atmosphere. it isjust the _ good time? fantastic time. fantastic atmosphere. it isjust the best. i good time? fantastic time. fantastic atmosphere. it isjust the best. the | atmosphere. it is 'ust the best. the atmosphere — atmosphere. it is 'ust the best. the atmosphere is — atmosphere. it isjust the best. the atmosphere is great. _ atmosphere. it isjust the best. the atmosphere is great. number- atmosphere. it isjust the best. the atmosphere is great. number five i atmosphere. it isjust the best. the i atmosphere is great. number five for me, it lets atmosphere is great. number five for me. it gets better — atmosphere is great. number five for me, it gets better every _ atmosphere is great. number five for me, it gets better every time. - atmosphere is great. number five for me, it gets better every time. enjoy l me, it gets better every time. en'oy ourself. me, it gets better every time. en'oy yourself. rhankfi me, it gets better every time. en'oy yourself. thank you. i me, it gets better every time. en'oy yourself. thank you. have i me, it gets better every time. en'oy yourself. thank you. have a i yourself. thank you. have a brilliant weekend. many fantastic acts will be performing here at glastonbury over the next few days. thank you once again. one more story to squeeze in this hour. this summer marks a0 years since york minster was engulfed by fire, devastating a part of the building which dated back to the 13th century. now a new

exhibition will trace the memories of those who actually put the blaze and restored the minster to its former group is up our reporter alison freeman has spoken to some of them. it was one of the worst cathedral fires of modern times. in the early hours ofjuly the 9th, 198a, a lightning strike on york minster started a fire which tore through the south transept. among those fighting the fire that night wasjohn mckenzie. we got to the minster about 2:37 in the morning, and the turntable ladder was getting up to the rose window from the outside, but it couldn't get really high enough to apply water from the top. sojohn and his colleagues used a series of ladders to gain access to the inner vault of the roof of the burning building to tackle the blaze from the inside. you must have been acutely aware, when you were up there, of the significance of this fire. yes. at one point we thought we might actually lose this fire, and we had a really petrifying sense of almost personal loss.

we felt we can't let it go. and that's one of the reasons why we stayed there and continued to do what we were doing. when it fell away... yes. ..that must have made a hell of a noise. it did, yes. you could more hear it than see it. you could hear big sections of the vault falling to the south transept floor here. but we're not daft. we wouldn't have put ourselves in danger, and we knew we were having some good effect. and so we wanted to stay there, to keep having an effect. as the building burned, those who lived and worked at york minster salvaged as much as they could. stonemasonjohn david was there. we were taking anything out of the minster which we could carry. small bits of furniture, altar furniture. you'd see a sort of canon struggling with a carpet, which came from the front of an altar or something like that, and you'd just give a hand. sometimes you'd say, "shall we take this? shall we take that? " we were just all helping each other. i think the chief fire officer

turned up, and he wasn't comfortable with the fact that we were still in the roof, you know, from a health and safety point of view. anyway, we probably feigned indignation at being withdrawn from the roof in the way that we was, but actually it's probablyjust as well that we were. eventually, i went round to the west front and just stood outside and saw the roof collapse, which was shocking but appalling, but it evidently saved the rest of the building. both men have now told theirfascinating memories of that night to the team, who've created an exhibition about the fire that starts in the minster this weekend. there's shock, there's horror, there's huge emotion. - there's people that came to see it the next day and just sobbed i because it... it's, you know, it's- such a symbol of york. and there's just a great little note about how the dean's cat, - amidst all the chaos, curled up and had a little sleep on one i of the altar cloths. but there's also this overriding sense of, j we know we can put it

back together again, i and a great practicalityl and an immediate, um, response in that way ofjust getting on with the job that is at hand, i which is really impressive to look back on. - that's a very yorkshire response as well, isn't it? i think that's fair to say. yeah, absolutely. the subsequent renovation took four years and £2.25 million, but it also had a bit of help along the way. we've been asked if blue peter will design six of the new oak bosses that will decorate the vaulting of the south transept roof. more than 30,000 children and young people entered the blue peter competition, and the six lucky winners got to see them being made and installed. i don't like to look. one of those designs is being brought to life yet again, as a badge to commemorate the a0th anniversary of the fire. those that were there on the night, and then carried out the restoration, know they played a key part

in the minster�*s history. it's always a privilege because only a few generations of people are able to get up there. and, until someone decides some of the bosses need regilding or painting or something, nobody will ever go up there. so... and that could be, you know, 150,200 years time. so it's unusual and you never get used to it. you must be proud to have been involved in how much was saved. oh, yeah. i don't suppose the right word. i'm relieved that a lot was saved. there was 137 of us on thatjob. of course it was all 137 of us who put the fire out. alison freeman, bbc news, york. now it's time for a look at the weather with ben rich. hello. today got off to a pretty soggy start in the north of the uk. some heavy rain first thing in northern scotland, but not much in the way of rain further south. through the weekend it's actually

looking dry for many. not quite for all. there will be some spells of sunshine. the earliest satellite picture shows this curl of cloud, which brought some wet and quite blustery weather in northern scotland through the morning. this afternoon, the heaviest rain pulling away across the northern isles. it does stay quite windy in the north, where we will see some showers. further south lighter winds. still quite breezy, but not as many showers. some spells of sunshine. we have, however, lost the real warmth of the last few days. temperatures at 5.00pm around 22 degrees there in london. through this evening and tonight, where we see clear skies it will turn really quite chilly, but it won't be clear everywhere because this zone of cloud and patchy rain does work its way in from the west holding temperatures up across parts of wales, north—west england. 12 degrees there for liverpool as we start saturday morning. so for tomorrow, this frontal system pushing in from the west, but this is really a very weak affair. not much energy about this weather system,

so just a zone of cloud, some patchy rain, particularly across parts of wales, northern england. that won't move very far, really, through the day. to the north of that, northern ireland, southern and central scotland largely dry with some sunshine. northern scotland seeing cloud and some showers. towards the south and the south—east of england some spells of sunshine and actually a shot of warmer air pushing up from the south, so highs of around 25 degrees there in the capital. as we head into the second half of the weekend this ridge of high pressure tries to build from the atlantic. around the top of that high, though, we will see a fair amount of cloud filtering its way in. maybe some showers first thing across southern england, then moving across the channel islands. otherwise, largely dry, but with a lot of cloud and just one or two showers. temperatures no great shakes really, 1a degrees in stornoway, 21 the high in london. into next week, we will see a run of westerly winds and frontal systems pushing in from the atlantic, but this ridge of high pressure to the south will never be too far away. i suspect that means that southern parts of the uk won't see

an awful lot of rain, whereas further north and west we will see rain at times and it's not going to be particularly warm.

live from london. this is bbc news — in the general election campaign — a reform uk worker is caught on camera making racist remarks about rishi sunak. nigel farage distances himself from the comments and claims it was a set—up — the prime minister leads the condemnation. it makes me angry, i don't repeat those words lightly, i do so deliberately because it's too important not to call out clearly for what it is. i think he has some questions to answer. joe biden faces calls to reconsider running for the white house — after a stumbling performance

in the first us election debate — with donald trump. excuse me with, um, dealing with everything we have to do with, uh... look, if... we finally beat medicare. and glastonbury gets into full swing — with the first of its two female headliners, dua lipa, set for the pyramid stage this evening. the prime minister rishi sunak has condemned a racist term used about him by a reform uk campaigner, saying: "it hurts and it makes me angry". it follows comments caught on camera by a team from channel a news , in which the campaigner uses a racist term to describe mr sunak , and suggests that migrants crossing the channel should be used for target practice. that party worker, has since said, his comments were personal — and not representative of the party.

the reform uk leader, nigel farage, has claimed the racist comments made by a canvasser were a "set—up". our political correspondent iain watson has the story — we should warn you, his report contains language — which some might find offensive. reform uk under scrutiny from an undercover reporter, this campaigner in clacton used a racist term used to describe the prime minister, and views on what the army should do to illegal immigrants. the campaigner andrew parker said they hadn't told nigel farage about his views and apologised if he brought the party into disrepute but, hang on, channel a also heard the views of another campaigner, this time on gay people and the rainbow flag. now, it should be stressed that these are campaigners, not candidates.

they are self—selecting volunteers although the second one you heard from is well known to nigel farage. he has of course had problems with the actual candidates too but blamed that on the vetting company employed for not doing theirjob. but other party leaders say that nigel farage himself should take responsibility for those who support him. my two daughters have to see and hear reform people who campaign for nigel farage calling me an bleep. it hurts, it makes me angry. i think he has some questions to answer. i don't repeat those words lightly, i do so deliberately because this is too important not to call out clearly for what it is. you have to ask the question why so many people who are supporting reform seem to be exposed in this particular way. it's for a leader to change his or her party to make sure the culture is right and the standards are understood by everybody within the party. nigel farage says those campaigners in clacton are no longer on his campaign.

perhaps one of the reasons the odd person like this gravitates - towards us is because ironically the bnp don't exist any more. i when we find out who they are, we get rid of them, end of. i nigel farage tends to subscribe to the adage there is no such thing as bad publicity but in this campaign that theory is being tested almost to destruction. iain watson, bbc news. well, in the last few hours, as we've been hearing nigel farage has claimed the racist comments made by a canvasser in an undercover film by channel a were a "set—up". here's what he had to say to the bbc�*sjoe pike earlier. what is your message to rishi sunak�*s daughters? this man andrew parker appeared in our office on saturday when out

canvassing and came up with an endless stream of invective, no one speaks like that, it went on and on and on. overnight i was told he was an actor, the daily telegraph contacted him, he denied it, we contacted him, he denied being an actor. later on in the morning, he now accepts that he is an actor. i looked at his website, i saw some videos, he is a very well—spoken actor. just because he has acted in the past doesn't mean he was acting in the comments, does it? he is a well—spoken actor but he does what he calls rough speaking, from the moment he arrived at the office in clacton last saturday and bowled up and spoke to me he was rough speaking. you think he was faking it? he was acting from the moment he came into the office, i100% believe this whole thing is a total setup. do you have a message for rishi sunak�*s daughters? this do you have a message for rishi sunak's daughters?— do you have a message for rishi sunak's daughters? this whole thing is to set up. — sunak's daughters? this whole thing

is to set up. not _ sunak's daughters? this whole thing is to set up, not true _ sunak's daughters? this whole thing is to set up, not true in _ sunak's daughters? this whole thing is to set up, not true in any - sunak's daughters? this whole thing is to set up, not true in any way i sunak's daughters? this whole thing is to set up, not true in any way at l is to set up, not true in any way at all, when i went european meps into the european parliament, they were the european parliament, they were the most diverse group of any country in europe. we have had two types of fakery, someone making racist comments left on by the media. and two, the russia hoax. just because i was opposed to the iraq war, the levy war, predicted what would happen in ukraine that has been twisted in the most perverse way. he has been twisted in the most perverse way-— has been twisted in the most erverse wa . . . ., ., perverse way. he had a candidate who raised perverse way. he had a candidate who praised hitler. — perverse way. he had a candidate who praised hitler, won _ perverse way. he had a candidate who praised hitler, won a _ perverse way. he had a candidate who praised hitler, won a member- perverse way. he had a candidate who praised hitler, won a member of- perverse way. he had a candidate who praised hitler, won a member of the l praised hitler, won a member of the bnp, an adviser who was homophobic. he said we shouldn't have fought the second world war. a few i believe to be entirely wrong. as for the former bnp member, he has lied to us. you know me well enough to no i have

never run anyone formerly a member of the bnp. ~ , ., never run anyone formerly a member of the bnp-— never run anyone formerly a member ofthe bnp. ~ , ., , ., of the bnp. why are some people who seem to be attracted _ of the bnp. why are some people who seem to be attracted to _ of the bnp. why are some people who seem to be attracted to your _ of the bnp. why are some people who seem to be attracted to your party i seem to be attracted to your party seem to be attracted to your party seem to be racist? i seem to be attracted to your party seem to be racist?— seem to be attracted to your party seem to be racist? i am not buying this, he seem to be racist? i am not buying this. he is — seem to be racist? i am not buying this. he is an _ seem to be racist? i am not buying this, he is an actor, _ seem to be racist? i am not buying this, he is an actor, we _ seem to be racist? i am not buying this, he is an actor, we have i seem to be racist? i am not buying this, he is an actor, we have been| this, he is an actor, we have been set up. the leader of reform, nigel farage, has also claimed channel a used an actor in their programme. the broadcaster has denied this, saying: "we met mr parker for the first time at reform uk party headquarters, where he was a reform party canvasser. we stand by our rigorous journalism. mr parker was filmed covertly by the undercover operation, not known by channel a news. let's speak to helen catt who is travelling with the conservative party. rishi sunak has not gone after

reform or nigel farage as robustly as he could have, but not today? his as he could have, but not today? f! 3 strategy so far has been to outline this as a race between him and labour, he and keir starmerare labour, he and keir starmer are the only people who could be prime minister, that is the sort of strategy, sidelining reform. as an irrelevance. today he has made the comments, quite how strongly he engaged with it, talked about being hurt and angry when she heard these comments. on these trips we also get what are known as hoddle is with the prime minister after which war journalists can ask questions of camera and one said to him, why have you chosen to repeat the exact words of the racial slur when keeping on —— speaking on camera. rishi sunak

sort of said well, that is the point, really, he said he did deliberately, hated having to do it, said he chose his words deliberately, hated having to repeat them, but it is important to call it out for what it is and be clear what it is. it was clear when he was picky how personally he feels about this. i picky how personally he feels about this. , , ,.,, ., ., �* picky how personally he feels about this. , , ., ., �* ~ ., this. i suppose what we don't know as we are talking _ this. i suppose what we don't know as we are talking now _ this. i suppose what we don't know as we are talking now the - this. i suppose what we don't know as we are talking now the impact . this. i suppose what we don't know| as we are talking now the impact of all of this on voters. what we do know of course over the last few weeks, the tory party has been losing votes to reform, haven't they? losing votes to reform, haven't the ? , , ., ., losing votes to reform, haven't the ? , , . ., losing votes to reform, haven't the? , ,~ ., , they? yes, they have, that has very much been — they? yes, they have, that has very much been the _ they? yes, they have, that has very much been the aim _ they? yes, they have, that has very much been the aim of— they? yes, they have, that has very much been the aim of reform i they? yes, they have, that has very much been the aim of reform in i they? yes, they have, that has very| much been the aim of reform in the selection, take votes from the conservatives, they have made no bones about that, they have also attacked labour and said they want labour votes as well but the focus has been on wanting to replace the conservative party eventually, that is where the focus has been. so we

have seen that develop over the last few weeks as we have seen them rise in the polls, dip a little recently, it has largely appeared to be at the conservatives' expense. that is the case they are. the conservatives' expense. that is the case they are-— case they are. the noise of new stories, helen, _ case they are. the noise of new stories, helen, constantly- case they are. the noise of new. stories, helen, constantly profits against what the parties sometimes want to be campaigning about, we had that with the gambling controversy, now this. what are the conservatives trying to campaign on today in terms of the big issue?— of the big issue? today has been an education theme _ of the big issue? today has been an education theme day, _ of the big issue? today has been an education theme day, we _ of the big issue? today has been an education theme day, we have i of the big issue? today has been an \ education theme day, we have been of the big issue? today has been an i education theme day, we have been in teesside today, what has been interesting is in a campaign where there has been a lot of talk about how defence of the conservative campaign has been, rishi sunak has visited abortive places where they have had solid majorities, today and he said they did well in the may euro election earlier this year and in some seats here which are marginals or won for the first time in 2019, different places, the theme

is education, wanting to highlight some of the policies, banning mobile phones during the school day, extending the free childcare, 30 hours to children over nine months. talking about what they are going to do in terms of scrapping what they called mickey mouse degrees, low quality degrees and funding for apprenticeships. we have had a couple of visits to highlight the education team, this afternoon was at college in redcar, we met some apprentices working on sort of an engineering system and were talking to the prime minister about that, positive about where they go next, excited by the thought of some of the things that are being developed like teesworks on teesside. the slightly risky scenario of a primary school visit, you never know how they will go, a child with her head and face planted on a book, rishi

sunak navigated that pretty well, seem to be enjoying it, he did things like playing fake ice creams from sand, children making a fruit salad for their lunch, he was helping and met some kids doing phonics as well. he got through that visit without any memorable pictures are moments that sometimes we have seen them produce. you are moments that sometimes we have seen them produce.— seen them produce. you are absolutely — seen them produce. you are absolutely right, _ seen them produce. you are absolutely right, helen, - seen them produce. you are| absolutely right, helen, with seen them produce. you are - absolutely right, helen, with the conservative campaign, helen catt. you can see a full list of all the candidates standing in the clacton constituency, and it's also on the bbc news website. much more on the uk general election, including our social media correspondent about how the campaigns are playing out online and all our correspondence across the country. you can keep up with it on bbc sounds.

joe biden is facing calls to reconsider his candidacy for the us presidential election, after a debate performance against donald trump which has been described as disastrous. in the first televised debate of the campaign, president biden struggled to finish sentences and appeared rambling and, at times, incoherent. the appearance had been meant to reassure voters that his age wasn't an issue in the campaign — but instead it underlined concerns, and provoked what many are called 'panic�* in the democratic party. 0ur north america correspondent, gary o'donoghue, was watching. trump, trump, trump... for the first time in debate history, a former president arriving to debate a current president. cheering. that current president aiming to be the oldest incumbent of the white house in us history. joe biden. four years ago, when these two men met, it ended

up in a slanging match. donald trump. but even new rules didn't stop the insults from flying. the only reason i'm here is he's so bad as a president that i'm going to make america great again. my son was not a loser. he was not a sucker. you're the sucker. you're the loser. both men accused the other of trashing the economy, clashing over tax cuts and inflation. he's the only president other than herbert hoover who's lost morejobs than he had when he began. since herbert hoover. the onlyjobs he created are for illegal immigrants and bounce backjobs. the bounce back from the covid. at times, joe biden sounded hoarse and difficult to understand. his aides said he had a cold, but there have been persistent concerns about his concentration and stamina, and this did not dispel those worries. excuse me with, um, dealing with everything we have to do with, uh... look, if... we finally beat medicare. thank you, president biden.

abortion and immigration were hotly contested, with donald trump delivering perhaps his strongest line of the night. we are living right now in a rat's nest. they're killing our people in new york, in california, in every state in the union, because we don't have borders anymore. every state is now a border. when both men were asked about their age — joe biden is 81, donald trump 78 — they ended up in a bizarre argument about golf. i told you before, i'm happy to play golf if you carry your own bag. think you can do it? that's the biggest lie, that he's a six handicap, of all. i was an eight handicap. yeah, eight. but you know how many i've... seen your swing. i know your swing. there was little in this debate to change the minds of the committed. both men made well—worn attacks on one another. both men hurled well—worn insults at one another. what will really count is how this lands with the small number of undecided voters in those key swing states that will decide november's election. gary o'donoghue, at the presidential

debate in atlanta, for bbc news. 0ur north america correpondent nomia iqbal is following the story from north carolina. joe biden is due to speak there in the next hour or so. we are in key swing state north carolina, the first place joe biden comes to after the debate last day, expecting him here in a few hours, essentially a sports arena, not sure how much you can see behind me but you have the stage and bleachers were some of the supporters are sat and they will be watching his speech,

rappers will be performing, acquire was rehearsing just a few moments ago. e—lio and fatjoe. in terms of how people feel, they have just started... but they are here because they still support the president, people with president biden t—shirts, flags, people smiling, you will get those democrats, we have been seen this last night, who say it wasn't the best performance butjudge him on the time he has been in office. that will not be the view of everyone of course. there are all these questions being asked, president biden wakes up this morning to headlines questioning whether he is still fit to run. what would be the procedure for president biden to suddenly he not in the race any more? he would ultimately have to stand down, there is no indication stand down, there is no indication he plans to do that, no indication from anyone they want him to do that here.

0ur north america correpondent nomia iqbal. thatin that in about one hour and 15 minutes. frank luntz is an american political consultant and pollster — he gave us his reaction to the debate. the voters looked at donald trump and they listened to his insults, and they saw his persona. and they the undecided voters didn't like him, but they thought thatjoe biden not only won't make the next four years, they question whether he's going to make the next four months. it is significant that, of our focus group, 14 undecided voters came in. both of them. all of them had voted democrat and republican. 12 of them ended up with donald trump. only one ended up withjoe biden.

the reaction was so deep that you had democratic leaders from across the party spectrum saying, we're in trouble. we may need a new candidate. in fact, i'm prepared to say that, over the next 48 hours, the democrats and the senate and the house, the political people are going to have a debate whether or not they want to visit the white house and do for biden exactly what republicans did to richard nixon during watergate, saying, sir, we need another candidate. we need a new alternative. you cannot defeat donald trump. earlier i spoke to richard goodstein, a democratic strategist and former adviser to bill and hillary clinton. he gave me his reaction let's remember in mid—october of 2016 when access hollywood tape

came out, when donald trump bragged about grabbing women by the genitals many republicans publicly said he had to step down. you don't have any names associated with the reports yet but what did donald trump do? he fought his way through it and obviously he won. this was a contest last night between somebody who had a hard time finding the right words and somebody whose words bore no semblance to the truth. i think when the campaign gets down to two contrasting visions of the country, i think the public is strongly on the side ofjoe biden, the issues — guns, climate change, strengthening the middle class, standing up to class, standing up to putin, you name it. i suppose the point is whether everything we saw last night around the question of age simply drowned out all of the rest of it. i know what you said about no names to a lot of the quotes but in the new york times one veteran democratic strategist said joe biden has a deep well

of affection among democrats but that has run dry — if that is the prevailing sentiment, that is a real problem in terms of the panic, that phrase will keep hearing about, that has knocked around since the hours after that debate. again, this is the samejoe biden who in the state of the union address just a couple of months ago was vital, wasn't using a teleprompter, made the republicans look silly, the samejoe biden that ate kevin mccarthy, speaker of the house's lunch, which is why he had to step down over negotiations over the united states budget. republicans complained about how muchjoe biden took advantage of kevin mccarty. advantage of mccarthy. it wasn't a great look last night

but it is the same person, the good thing about having the debate in latejune as opposed to late october, joe biden could show this was an anomaly... you say that, the debate was time for an hour to get the campaign back on the rails, to lay some of those fears, it's not only didn't do that, it doubled down on those fears. i do not disagree that this was not joe biden's best night. i'm sure you yourself and your viewers, certainly the people in the us, say it is not going to be joe biden against donald trump, is it? well, it is, that was not joe biden's best but this is the same person. i think you can dispel the notion

easilyjust like when donald trump was told to step down in 2016, he overcame there, people need to take a breath, count to ten, relax a little bit, rather than all these unnamed people, we have no idea who they are, speaking who may or may not know what they are talking about. earlier i spoke to richard goodstein.

we do not have a system like many european democracies where the party elected divisions can decide to replace departing leader, it is the democratic convention in august that will pick the nominees for the party and several thousand delegates selected from the states and local governments around the country, they are the decision maker. they are pledged to vote forjoe biden in the states they won the primary election, technically speaking they do not have to vote for him but they almost certainly would if he stayed in the process. if president biden were to the site to stand down, he would release if president biden were to decide to stand down, he would release those delegates to vote for whoever they might prefer, he might very he might very well endorse someone in particular, maybe his vice president kamala harris, that would have no legal effect but the delegates would still be in the position to have to make the decision on who they vote for to represent the party in the fall election. so technically there is an avenue, it could be done, when we hear this phrase and open convention, what does that exactly mean as opposed to a closed convention? basically, we had open conventions

all the way until the 19705 when we created our new system of primary elections in which voters choose the candidate, so an open convention basically basically means no—one goes into the convention with a majority of the delegates already pledged to that person. and the delegates or leading figures in the party, at the convention would have to negotiate between the different factions of the party and would have to try to settle on some nominee if they can form a consensus, that person would get those votes. if not, it would have to be put to a vote and we would have to see who got a majority of the vote of delegates at the democratic party convention. in the old days, delegates were chosen to play the role because it was understood they would end up negotiating and choosing the candidate. in the modern era which starts

in the 19705 here, the delegates aren't chosen for that, we haven't had an open convention since be shifted to the primary elections, this would be very unprecedented in the modern era, starting in the 19705. we don't know what the process would look like. 0ur colleagues at americast have recorded a special episode about the first presidential debate. you can download americast, and get reaction and analysis from sarah smith, antony zurcher, justin webb and others — available now on bbc sounds. people in iran are going to polls to elect a new president — after the death of ebrahim raisi in a helicopter crash last month.

iran's supreme leader, the ayatollah ali khamenei, seen here casting his vote — has called for a maximum turnout. but it's thought likely many disenchanted iranians will boycott the election. in all, there are four candidates. diplomatic correspondent caroline hawley. there is someone described as a so—called moderate, start with telling us about him, he is a former heart surgeon and former health minister under a previous reformist president, he wasn't well known before this, there was surprise he was allowed to stand because he is a moderate, the other three are conservatives, two withdrew to try to get the conservative vote to

coalesce because there has been more and more crowds as the campaign went on, people surprised he was allowed to stand at all, the authorities the authorities thought that he would boost turnout, which is important to the iranian regime because they see that as a measure of the islamic republic which has been called into question about particularly as you may remember after the death of the young woman in police custody, she had been arrested by the morality police for not wearing her headscarf properly. but police for not wearing her headscarf ro erl . �* ,., properly. but widen the gulf, so when he said — properly. but widen the gulf, so when he said he _ properly. but widen the gulf, so when he said he wanted - properly. but widen the gulf, so i when he said he wanted maximum turnout... we know the coal regime

supporters will vote, how many other two? it could benefit the wild card, masoud pezeshkian. who two? it could benefit the wild card, masoud pezeshkian.— two? it could benefit the wild card, masoud pezeshkian. who is expected to win it? your— masoud pezeshkian. who is expected to win it? your assessment _ masoud pezeshkian. who is expected to win it? your assessment of - masoud pezeshkian. who is expected to win it? your assessment of this . to win it? your assessment of this moment for around?— moment for around? there is an element of _ moment for around? there is an element of suspense, _ moment for around? there is an element of suspense, a - moment for around? there is an element of suspense, a lot - moment for around? there is an element of suspense, a lot of. moment for around? there is an - element of suspense, a lot of people it depends on how many turnout, one woman said she definitely would have, i think many people see all the candidates approved by the influential body of clerics who vet the candidates, all of the candidates present different faces of one regime and say they will not be able to bring about any meaningful change because the supreme leader ayatollah ali khamenei holds ultimate sway but it is an important moment, the snap election came about as you know because of a helicopter crash last month that killed the former

president, the economy is in a terrible state and it is a time of huge regional turmoil, the war in gaza, around backing hout, the houthis in lebanon...— gaza, around backing hout, the houthis in lebanon... thank you, caroline hawley. _ this is bbc news. the headlines... joe biden faces calls to reconsider running from the white house after his sun wen performance in the debate with donald trump. in the general election campaign — a reform uk worker is caught on camera making racist remarks about rishi sunak.

what annoys me is bleep, what good is he? nigel farage distances himself from the comments and claims it was a setup, the prime minister needs the condemnation. it makes me angry, i don't repeat those words lightly, i do so deliberately because it's too important not to call out clearly for what it is. i think he has some questions to answer. the man accused of plotting to kidnap, rape and murder holly willoughby gives evidence at his trial. let's go back to our main story. allies of president biden are struggling to contain the fallout from his faltering, unfocused performance in the first televised us presidential election debate with donald trump. at times, mr biden — who's 81 — had difficulty in completing his sentences, while mr trump, three

years hisjunior, made a string of false or misleading claims. publicly and privately, democratic party supporters have been discussing whether they should change their candidate before the party convention in six weeks. rick wilson is a political strategist and co—founder of the lincoln project. he gave me his assessment of the night. he had a bad night last night, no doubt, evident early in the process he was not on his a game. i did note two things, i am not a panicker by nature, i am not panicking. i did think two things, donald trump is offering nothing new beyond what appeals to his base already, the mosaic of lies, bizarre assertions. joe biden improved towards the back of the debate but no one will spin

it thatjoe biden had a great night, it is not something as an honest person i will say, that was a+. you cannot do it that way. i will come back to the spin point in a moment but you said you are not panicking, you will know there are many democrats, some senior democrats, that are panicking. that is my superpower, i am an ex republican. i am not a democrat. i do not approach this race simply asjoe biden versus donald trump. the lincoln project's mission, i understand who donald trump is, a felon, fraud, a lawyer, sexual abuser, criminal and a man who is in the pocket of foreign interest.

this is not a man who changed his character or destiny last night, joe biden had a bad night but donald trump didn't get a transformative moment. triumphalism is a very bad drug to take in politics. bill clinton blew his first debate with george hw bush, my old boss. barack obama blew his first debate with george mccain. george w bush blew his first debate with al gore, i was standing watching him on the sidelines. a bad debate in this situation is worse forjoe biden, i will grant you that, but this idea you have the panic, run around, chase the dragon, get somebody new, it has to focus on who donald trump is and what he will do to this country. at the lincoln project, how do you beat donald trump? mr biden is a candidate who will make their decisions, their campaign...

the difficulty is, despite the long list of the things you said about donald trump, whether so much of that gets drowned out, it was a concern, this age concern aboutjoe biden, even before this debate. this was to dispel all of that and we were talking there about what the vice president has been saying from the white house, in effect saying let's concentrate on the record. it is a difficult strategy, isn't it, to try to convince people they didn't see what they actually saw. i don't think anybody is trying to do that in any real case. i believejoe biden had a terrible night last night, a terrible night, an f minus night, a bad night. that does not change who donald trump is. we who donald trump is. are exciting to seejoe biden a we are exciting to seejoe biden on a campaign stop in south carolina in less than one hour. we don't know

what he will say to those various supporters if he will address the headlines that were dominated all across the us and the rest of the world, but we will take you there live in about 50 minutes and see and hear from joe live in about 50 minutes and see and hearfrom joe biden. let's live in about 50 minutes and see and hear from joe biden. let's turn live in about 50 minutes and see and hearfrom joe biden. let's turn now to the general election going on here. there's an alternative political conversation unfolding on social media — one that can feel quite different from the mainstream political commentary — and that's dictated by social media sites algorithms. the bbc�*s disinformation and social media correspondent has tracked down dozens of young people across the uk who've become accidental election social media influencers and collectively racked up millions of views — with their amateur content reaching as many people as some of the political parties own posts and ads. 0ur cameras have hopped across to bbc verify. tell us more. our cameras have hopped across to bbc verify. tell us more.— bbc verify. tell us more. while politicians— bbc verify. tell us more. while politicians are _ bbc verify. tell us more. while politicians are in _ bbc verify. tell us more. while politicians are in the _ bbc verify. tell us more. while politicians are in the last - bbc verify. tell us more. while politicians are in the last few i bbc verify. tell us more. while i politicians are in the last few days of campaigning and journalists are

following their every twist and turn, some people's main way of engaging with the election a pseudo— social media feeds and about 90% of the political posts i am seeing on the political posts i am seeing on the feeds of my undercover voters aged under 35 and not from the political parties themselves but from fellow social media users who have gone unexpectedly viral sharing political content. just a reminder, my undercover voters are 2a fictional characters based on eight battleground constituencies and here a flavour of them across the uk. i created them based on analysis from the national centre for social research so they have private online profiles and i used them to investigate what algorithms are putting to them what they are being targeted with. i have been focusing in on the social media feeds belonging to my younger undercover voters for the support as you can see here. lots of the posts on their feeds are coming from what i have called accidental election social media influencers, young people who i have chatted to aged between about 15 and 31 who have collectively racked up millions of views. as many

as a lot of the political parties posts a lot more in fact. my message dozens of these people like 15—year—old told. she is not old enough to vote but was shocked when her tiktok about politicians rhetoric on immigration. overnight. then there is 16—year—old will, you can see here, who racked up views after he posted clips of politicians talking about issues like knife crime and brexit. well has created his own logo and posted exclusively about politics. some of the amateur political content posted by these young people is getting as much traction as the political parties posts and more than some of their ads. reaching some users who aren't usually engaged with the mainstream political commentary. while this can encourage young people to voice their opinions and lots of their updates are informed and are reliable, with great virility comes responsibility and some other unofficial accounts have shared misleading claims. like this post

that full so suggest keir starmer were onion t—shirt to watch england play football in the euros. or untrue conspiracy theories about nigel farage. some of these accidental influences told me they're putting a lot of effort into researching their own post and ensuring they are accurate. we will also say they have any out what to share because they are unsure what to trust on their own feeds. they say opinions can sound like facts and several tell me they have seen a lot of ai generated content about the election predominantly parody quips. that includes a fake satirical clips a bit like this one that purport to show sir keir starmer, rishi sunak and nigel farage live streaming the video game minecraft. these are funny but they say they blur the line between what is real and what to speak. this is happening in this election because it is all to do with changes in the way we use social media and the way the sites work. tiktok instagram and x compared to the last election will now recommend you content to your feed often from people who you don't know meaning content can go viral

instantly without building up a big following first. i have been in touch with all social media sites, according to a tiktok spokesperson it has increased its investment in efforts to make sure reliable information can be found on tiktok lodging uk collection centre with a fact checking expert and adopting an industry—leading ai labelling technology. it also says it doesn't limit information about the election or bullying and harassment stop a sportsperson from x previously told the bbc x has in place a range of policies and features to protect a conversation surrounding elections and a spokesperson from mentor which owns instagram and facebook has said they have a uk specific collections operation centre to identify threats and misinformation.— here on bbc news we've spent each day scrutinising the campaign promises — and how they could affect the whole country. but we're also taking time to report on the particular issues in different parts of the uk — and look at how they could affect the outcome of the election. joining me now from

derby is george torr, derbyshire political reporter. and michael keohan — who is our kent political reporter — in dover. george, you're taking a leaf out of ed davey�*s book from yesterday. give me an idea of the big issues playing where you are. me an idea of the big issues playing where you are-— where you are. good afternoon at this back-up _ where you are. good afternoon at this back-up form _ where you are. good afternoon at this back-up form on _ where you are. good afternoon at this back-up form on the - where you are. good afternoon at| this back-up form on the outskirts this back—up form on the outskirts of derby in a south derbyshire such as the and i have got some friends along with me today. some of the big issues people are talking about here are the council run care homes affecting pretty much everywhere across derbyshire. with that derbyshire county council are consulting on a number of closures of council run care homes. they say theyjust have of council run care homes. they say they just have to of council run care homes. they say theyjust have to make budget cuts and they are being looked at and with that there is some anxiety from people who live in these homes and also people who are related to those people who are in those homes. the other one is on her chest dentistry.

health bosses here have published a recent report which showed quite a large area of dental deserts. this particular patch, a town up the road in ripley north of derby has a population of around 20,000 people but as of today there is no nhs dentist in the can, pull struggling to get their teeth checked and they are unlikely waiting list elsewhere and they are having to go and pay private. one voter told me recently that they are still without childhood dentist in grimsby more than 70 miles away because i can't get an appointment where they are today. derbyshire is a diverse county, a mix of urban and rural and there is no better example of that because where we are here at this beautiful alpaca farm in south derbyshire constituency, just the tree line without its japanese car giant toyota, who employ hundreds of people, one of their big production lines in the uk stop any news around toyota, train manufacturer or

rolls—royce, just observed in derby, any news about those particular sites and implement and jobs, people take notice here. sites and implement and 'obs, people take notice hereh take notice here. thank you. i was wondering — take notice here. thank you. i was wondering when _ take notice here. thank you. i was wondering when you _ take notice here. thank you. i was wondering when you would - take notice here. thank you. i was wondering when you would tell i take notice here. thank you. i was| wondering when you would tell me what you with our standing in front of the llamas. let's head to dover and michael who was there for us. i assume immigration is paying big but what else are people really concerned about where you are? ihla concerned about where you are? no llamas here into wood today. what i can tell _ llamas here into wood today. what i can tell you — llamas here into wood today. what i can tell you is voters are concerned about _ can tell you is voters are concerned about a _ can tell you is voters are concerned about a lot — can tell you is voters are concerned about a lot of different ages. kent isn't unique when it comes to some of the _ isn't unique when it comes to some of the concerns it has around the cost _ of the concerns it has around the cost of _ of the concerns it has around the cost of living crisis. some of the poorest— cost of living crisis. some of the poorest areas in the country found not far— poorest areas in the country found not far from — poorest areas in the country found not far from where we currently are here in _ not far from where we currently are here in dover. but equally other issues _ here in dover. but equally other issues in — here in dover. but equally other issues in the north of the county, for example you legs, playing large with voters there, there are certain streets _ with voters there, there are certain streets in _ with voters there, there are certain streets in places like dartford where — streets in places like dartford where one side of the street if you're — where one side of the street if you're in— where one side of the street if you're in the london part of that area _ you're in the london part of that area you — you're in the london part of that area you are classified to having things— area you are classified to having things like — area you are classified to having things like the scrappage scheme but if you're _ things like the scrappage scheme but if you're in_ things like the scrappage scheme but if you're in the kent side of that word _ if you're in the kent side of that word that — if you're in the kent side of that word that you get no help at all.

that _ word that you get no help at all. that is _ word that you get no help at all. that is still— word that you get no help at all. that is still playing large with voters — that is still playing large with voters minds currently in places like dartford. but coming down to place _ like dartford. but coming down to place luckier in dover you see immigration. you mention it right at the top _ immigration. you mention it right at the top there about how that presses in people's— the top there about how that presses in people's minds. not far from where — in people's minds. not far from where we — in people's minds. not far from where we currently are state that is where _ where we currently are state that is where migrants who try to cross the channel _ where migrants who try to cross the channel in _ where migrants who try to cross the channel in small boats are brought to beginner processing journey and when _ to beginner processing journey and when you _ to beginner processing journey and when you speak to locals wanting you will tell— when you speak to locals wanting you will tell you _ when you speak to locals wanting you will tell you is that dominates the local news and the news agenda and they are _ local news and the news agenda and they are concerned that dover gets overlooked when you think of places like places— overlooked when you think of places like places like folkestone dover .ets like places like folkestone dover gets overlooked because of the association and local pair are saying — association and local pair are saying they're frustrated because i have a _ saying they're frustrated because i have a host of different issues. you are hearing — have a host of different issues. you are hearing about the nhs with george — are hearing about the nhs with george bennett derby, but it's a big local concern for people here in kent _ local concern for people here in kent with— local concern for people here in kent with real pressure is on the system — kent with real pressure is on the system here, so a whole host of different — system here, so a whole host of different issues that affect voters but it _ different issues that affect voters but it depends where in the county you are _ but it depends where in the county you are from. but it depends where in the county you are from-— but it depends where in the county you are from. thanks to michael and georue.

the snp campaign bus has taken to the road for the first time. party leader and scottish first ministerjohn swinney stepped off the vehicle for a campaign event in edinburgh. he says it will carry the snp's message to all parts of the country — and that his key message is that only the snp can be trusted to stand up for scotland in westminster. our correspondent catriona renton was waiting for the bus to make its first stop — and she sent us this update. well, you join us on a very windy calton hill here in central edinburgh, where the snp have just launched their brand new campaign bus, which they're going to criss—cross the country in over the last six days of the campaign, taking their message out to voters. we spoke to the first minister a few minutes ago. voters in scotland are concerned about austerity, about brexit and the cost—of—living and all the damage that's doing to their lives in scotland. our answer to that is to make sure decisions are made

in scotland, for scotland. now we know that the labour party are winning this election in england. in scotland, however, there's a real contest and people in scotland, if they want to make sure that there's strong voices to protect us against austerity and to ensure that we can make progress on scotland's constitutional journey, people have got to vote for the snp. as you heard there, the first minister's message to voters is that they want people to vote for the snp. they believe that the labour party will win the general election, so they believe that the snp is the party to make a difference in scotland. independence, of course, is front and centre of the snp's campaign. they say that an independent scotland will have the powers to tackle austerity, the cost of living and the effects of brexit, which they say have been damaging. there's another issue coming to light here in scotland and that's about postal votes. our schools have just broken up

for the school holidays and many people try to get away before the english schools break up so that they can get cheaper deals. the consequence of that is that many people will be away on holiday on lith july and if they've not received their postal vote before they go they're going to not have the opportunity to vote. there are calls for a reform of that system in light of what has happened here in future elections. the bus is going to make its way down towards the borders. staying with scotland — and edinburgh city council says it's taking urgent steps to make sure people can cast their vote in next week's general election amid concern about delayed postal ballots. a facility is open at the city chambers from today to allow residents to request a new voting pack. i will point you to the bbc website because we have a live page running constantly on the election with all the top stories, nigel farage story is running very big with the various

reactions. you can see the prime minister's reactions and the latest from john swinney top right. also the bbc news app from the very latest from all our teams across the uk. no games at the euros today — but — one of the england players has been taking the headlines due to a sporting mishap away from the football pitch. this is anthony gordon — and you can see how at training on thursday, he was showing grazes on both hands, his nose — and in particular, his chin. it turned out he'd fallen off a bike. the winger was the player sent to talk to the media at today's news conference — and as you might expect, how he got his scars were top of the journalists' list of questions. it was meant to be a recovery. it was a lovely day and i was going down the hill, tried to take a quick video for my familyjust to show them what i was doing and then, before i knew it, i was face first

into the floor. i've got a few grazes, yeah, but it's only a few cuts, it's not anything painful. yeah, so the electrics are obviously a lot faster than normal bikes and in england the front brake is on the right hand side. here i tried to press the left to slow and it didn't slow, it came fully to a stop, and i went ten feet into the air, chin first. a man accused of plotting to abduct, rape and murder the itv presenter holly willoughby has told a jury he had "dark" thoughts about her. gavin plumb, who's 37, was arrested after sharing the alleged plans with an undercover police officer. giving evidence at chelmsford crown court, he said his online discussions about ms willoughby were "massively regrettable". he denies the charges against him.

let's speak to our correspondent lizo mzimba who's outside chelmsford crown court. to us more about the evidence the jury to us more about the evidence the jury has been hearing today. has been giving _ jury has been hearing today. has been giving evidence most of the day. he described holly willoughby as his main celebrity crush and explained that he often watched her on daytime television because at the time he rarely left his home in harlow in essex. he was challenged on a number of things that have come up on a number of things that have come up earlier in the trial, when the jury up earlier in the trial, when the jury had heard evidence about messages that he exchanged with individuals online as well as three message apps like whatsapp. he was asked about comments he had made that appeared to show him planning a home invasion. and he said that wasn't true. he said he was asked, wasn't true. he said he was asked, was this something you expected to happen? no, he replied. it was something he knew was never going to

happen, hejust passing something he knew was never going to happen, he just passing the time, chatting, he said. similarly at another point he talked about having found out where holly willoughby allegedly lived and allegedly talking aboutjumping over a wall at her house. he pointed out that at the time he was weighing between 28 and 30 stone and said there was more chance of him tripping over a step. thejury has also chance of him tripping over a step. the jury has also heard evidence that he allegedly tried to buy chloroform online as well as researching terms like how long does chloroform render an individual unconscious for. he said he needed the chemical to help with the stain in his flat, and that he was also worried about the effects the chemical might have on him and a family member who was with him at the time. he also said that a kit of items that included handcuffs were not intended for holly willoughby,

he said they were intended for potential use with the conceptual partner. he repeatedly said that all these things he had been talking about both online and with a number of individuals through messaging apps were not fantasy, labour —— they were not reality, purely fantasy. the case continues and he denies all the charges.— denies all the charges. thank you. you are watching _ denies all the charges. thank you. you are watching bbc _ denies all the charges. thank you. you are watching bbc news. - denies all the charges. thank you. you are watching bbc news. it - denies all the charges. thank you. you are watching bbc news. it is i you are watching bbc news. it is eight minutes to five. for the first time, two of the three headline acts at glastonbury this year will be women. 200,000 people are expected at the uk's biggest music festival this weekend. here is colin patterson.

it is clear how much it means to her. ., , her. one day i will get the opportunity _ her. one day i will get the opportunity hopefully - her. one day i will get the opportunity hopefully to i her. one day i will get the | opportunity hopefully to do her. one day i will get the - opportunity hopefully to do it. it is by far the biggest thing and the biggest moment of my career. glastonbury is my barometer, when i am in the studio. how will this sounded glastonbury? if it passes that test, then it is going in the album. , , , ., , album. her set will be history makin: album. her set will be history making because _ album. her set will be history making because on _ album. her set will be history making because on sunday i album. her set will be history| making because on sunday the album. her set will be history - making because on sunday the same slot will be filled by the us r&b superstar sza. meaning for the first time since the festival began in 1970, two of the three headliners a

female. it 1970, two of the three headliners a female. , ., , 1970, two of the three headliners a female. , . , . female. it is really important, i feel so lucky — female. it is really important, i feel so lucky to _ female. it is really important, i feel so lucky to be _ female. it is really important, i feel so lucky to be part - female. it is really important, i feel so lucky to be part of- female. it is really important, i feel so lucky to be part of that l feel so lucky to be part of that shift and that change. i think it is so important to have more female headliners in all festivals, i think, ithink headliners in all festivals, i think, i think wejust headliners in all festivals, i think, i think we just have to keep applying the pressure on scene change happen. bind applying the pressure on scene change happen-— applying the pressure on scene chanaehauen. �* , ., ., change happen. and it is motivating other artists- _ change happen. and it is motivating other artists. including _ change happen. and it is motivating other artists. including olivia - change happen. and it is motivating other artists. including olivia dean l other artists. including olivia dean who earlier played the pyramid stage. i who earlier played the pyramid stare. ~ , ,., who earlier played the pyramid stare. ~ , ., ., stage. i think it is so important to see diversity _ stage. i think it is so important to see diversity not _ stage. i think it is so important to see diversity notjust _ stage. i think it is so important to see diversity notjust in _ stage. i think it is so important to see diversity notjust in gender i stage. i think it is so important to | see diversity notjust in gender but all the _ see diversity notjust in gender but all the different races and people in the _ all the different races and people in the line—up and it is important for people — in the line—up and it is important for people to see themselves on the stage _ for people to see themselves on the stage and _ for people to see themselves on the stage and that inspires the next generation of people to be like they can do— generation of people to be like they can do it _ generation of people to be like they can do it. even when you just said that to _ can do it. even when you just said that to me — can do it. even when you just said that to me i— can do it. even when you just said that to me i thought i can headline, i can— that to me i thought i can headline, i can do— that to me i thought i can headline, i can do that. if two women can do it this _ i can do that. if two women can do it this year— i can do that. if two women can do it this year i — i can do that. if two women can do it this year i can do it. and i can do that. if two women can do it this year i can do it.— it this year i can do it. and as for dua lipa. — it this year i can do it. and as for dua lipa. her— it this year i can do it. and as for dua lipa, her fans _ it this year i can do it. and as for dua lipa, her fans are _ it this year i can do it. and as for dua lipa, her fans are already i it this year i can do it. and as for dua lipa, her fans are already in | dua lipa, her fans are already in

place. it dua lipa, her fans are already in lace. , , , dua lipa, her fans are already in lace. , , ., dua lipa, her fans are already in lace. , , , ., ~ place. it is pure pop and i like that. place. it is pure pop and i like that- she _ place. it is pure pop and i like that. she doesn't _ place. it is pure pop and i like that. she doesn't pretend - place. it is pure pop and i like that. she doesn't pretend to i place. it is pure pop and i like i that. she doesn't pretend to be grandiose and she just wants to have a fun time. is grandiose and she 'ust wants to have a fun time. , , ., ., , ._ a fun time. is she going to play the barbie song? _ a fun time. is she going to play the barbie song? she _ a fun time. is she going to play the barbie song? she hasn't _ a fun time. is she going to play the barbie song? she hasn't been - a fun time. is she going to play the | barbie song? she hasn't been doing it in concert. i barbie song? she hasn't been doing it in concert-— it in concert. i hope she is, i am read , it in concert. i hope she is, i am ready. she _ it in concert. i hope she is, i am ready, she should _ it in concert. i hope she is, i am ready, she should bring - it in concert. i hope she is, i am ready, she should bring ryan i ready, she should bring ryan gosling _ let's speak to our news correspondent emily brown. the crowd and the excitement is building. it the crowd and the excitement is buildinu. , , ._ building. it is the first full day of music here _ building. it is the first full day of music here at _ building. it is the first full day of music here at glastonburyl building. it is the first full day i of music here at glastonbury and building. it is the first full day - of music here at glastonbury and you can hear paul heaton is performing behind us on the pyramid stage. this area is expected to get incredibly busy because dua lipa will be the opening night headliner, performing on the stage and a few hours' time. lots of incredible acts and incredible artists. sza will be headlining on sunday and shania twain will be taking that legends slot on sunday afternoon. i want to speak to a few people who are really enjoying themselves. you having a

good time? enjoying themselves. you having a aood time? , enjoying themselves. you having a good time?— enjoying themselves. you having a aood time? , ., , so good time? yes, a very good time. so aood ou good time? yes, a very good time. so good you have — good time? yes, a very good time. so good you have lost _ good time? yes, a very good time. so good you have lost your _ good time? yes, a very good time. so good you have lost your voice. - good time? yes, a very good time. so good you have lost your voice. it - good time? yes, a very good time. so good you have lost your voice. it is i good you have lost your voice. it is only friday- _ good you have lost your voice. it is only friday. how— good you have lost your voice. it is only friday. how did _ good you have lost your voice. it is only friday. how did that _ good you have lost your voice. it is only friday. how did that happen? | good you have lost your voice. it is i only friday. how did that happen? we have been here _ only friday. how did that happen? we have been here since _ only friday. how did that happen? we have been here since tuesdays - only friday. how did that happen? we have been here since tuesdays so - have been here since tuesdays so obviously — have been here since tuesdays so obviously we have been at the smaller— obviously we have been at the smaller bars, around glastonbury it has been _ smaller bars, around glastonbury it has been incredible, but singing way too hard _ has been incredible, but singing way too hard i_ has been incredible, but singing way too hard. i am sorry, i have got meetings — too hard. i am sorry, i have got meetings and work on tuesday and i will be _ meetings and work on tuesday and i will be rubbish. you meetings and work on tuesday and i will be rubbish.— will be rubbish. you have to tell me about your — will be rubbish. you have to tell me about your health _ will be rubbish. you have to tell me about your health because - will be rubbish. you have to tell me about your health because it - will be rubbish. you have to tell me about your health because it is - will be rubbish. you have to tell me about your health because it is a i about your health because it is a special occasion. it is about your health because it is a special occasion.— special occasion. it is my 50th birthday- _ special occasion. it is my 50th birthday- i _ special occasion. it is my 50th birthday. i am _ special occasion. it is my 50th birthday. i am a _ special occasion. it is my 50th birthday. i am a christmas - special occasion. it is my 50th| birthday. i am a christmas eve special occasion. it is my 50th - birthday. i am a christmas eve baby and basically this is my summer birthday— and basically this is my summer birthday i— and basically this is my summer birthday i have always wanted. a 50th _ birthday i have always wanted. a 50th cap — birthday i have always wanted. a 50th cap for my daughter that i am wearing _ 50th cap for my daughter that i am wearing absolutely all weekend and i love it _ wearing absolutely all weekend and i love it. ., , , wearing absolutely all weekend and i love it. . , .y , . wearing absolutely all weekend and i love it. , ., , love it. happy belated birthday. what a way _ love it. happy belated birthday. what a way to _ love it. happy belated birthday. what a way to spend _ love it. happy belated birthday. what a way to spend your- love it. happy belated birthday. i what a way to spend your birthday. are you both having a good time? than are you both having a good time? an amazing time. we have gone old school, — amazing time. we have gone old school, caravanning _ amazing time. we have gone old school, caravanning for- amazing time. we have gone old school, caravanning for the - amazing time. we have gone old school, caravanning for the last. school, caravanning for the last eight _ school, caravanning for the last eight years _ school, caravanning for the last eight years. this _ school, caravanning for the last

eight years. this is _ school, caravanning for the last eight years. this is her- school, caravanning for the last eight years. this is her 19th- eight years. this is her 19th glastonbury. _ eight years. this is her 19th glastonbury. you _ eight years. this is her 19th glastonbury. you can- eight years. this is her 19th glastonbury. you can see i eight years. this is her 19th. glastonbury. you can see the eight years. this is her 19th- glastonbury. you can see the flag in the background _ glastonbury. you can see the flag in the background. we _ glastonbury. you can see the flag in the background. we are _ glastonbury. you can see the flag in the background. we are loving - glastonbury. you can see the flag in the background. we are loving it. i the background. we are loving it. 19th glastonbury? _ the background. we are loving it. 19th glastonbury? 2000 - the background. we are loving it. 19th glastonbury? 2000 was - the background. we are loving it. 19th glastonbury? 2000 was the| the background. we are loving it. - 19th glastonbury? 2000 was the first one. 19th glastonbury? 2000 was the first one david _ 19th glastonbury? 2000 was the first one. david bowie headlined and i thought— one. david bowie headlined and i thought i— one. david bowie headlined and i thought i am never missing it again. so far— thought i am never missing it again. so far so— thought i am never missing it again. so far so good. thought i am never missing it again. so far so good-— so far so good. what was your record? 18 _ so far so good. what was your record? 18 hours _ so far so good. what was your record? 18 hours bringing on i so far so good. what was your i record? 18 hours bringing on the -hone record? 18 hours bringing on the hone to record? 18 hours bringing on the phone to get _ record? 18 hours bringing on the phone to get them. _ record? 18 hours bringing on the phone to get them. the - record? 18 hours bringing on the phone to get them. the reason i record? 18 hours bringing on the i phone to get them. the reason why ou aot phone to get them. the reason why you got your _ phone to get them. the reason why you got your sleeves _ phone to get them. the reason why you got your sleeves rolled - phone to get them. the reason why you got your sleeves rolled up - phone to get them. the reason why you got your sleeves rolled up is i you got your sleeves rolled up is because that is a glastonbury tattoo. it because that is a glastonbury tattoo. , ., _ because that is a glastonbury tattoo. _ ., tattoo. it is a symbol of glastonbury, _ tattoo. it is a symbol of glastonbury, it - tattoo. it is a symbol of glastonbury, it means i tattoo. it is a symbol of. glastonbury, it means the tattoo. it is a symbol of- glastonbury, it means the world tattoo. it is a symbol of— glastonbury, it means the world to me so— glastonbury, it means the world to me so i_ glastonbury, it means the world to me so i wanted it on me. will glastonbury, it means the world to me so i wanted it on me.— me so i wanted it on me. will you hanu me so i wanted it on me. will you hang around _ me so i wanted it on me. will you hang around for— me so i wanted it on me. will you hang around for dua _ me so i wanted it on me. will you hang around for dua lipa? - me so i wanted it on me. will you hang around for dua lipa? oh, i me so i wanted it on me. will you i hang around for dua lipa? oh, yes. we will be — hang around for dua lipa? oh, yes. we will be here. _ hang around for dua lipa? oh, yes. we will be here. we _ hang around for dua lipa? oh, yes. we will be here. we heard - hang around for dua lipa? oh, yes. we will be here. we heard there i hang around for dua lipa? oh, yes. we will be here. we heard there is| we will be here. we heard there is rumours _ we will be here. we heard there is rumours certain— we will be here. we heard there is rumours certain people _ we will be here. we heard there is rumours certain people will- we will be here. we heard there is rumours certain people will come i we will be here. we heard there is i rumours certain people will come out as well, _ rumours certain people will come out as well, so— rumours certain people will come out as well, so who — rumours certain people will come out as well, so who knows? _ rumours certain people will come out as well, so who knows? we - rumours certain people will come out as well, so who knows?— as well, so who knows? we heard a little podcast _ as well, so who knows? we heard a little podcast of _ as well, so who knows? we heard a little podcast of and _ as well, so who knows? we heard a little podcast of and she _ as well, so who knows? we heard a little podcast of and she loves - little podcast of and she loves glastonbury — little podcast of and she loves glastonbury almost _ little podcast of and she loves glastonbury almost as - little podcast of and she loves glastonbury almost as much i little podcast of and she lovesl glastonbury almost as much as little podcast of and she loves - glastonbury almost as much as us so we are _ glastonbury almost as much as us so we are here — glastonbury almost as much as us so we are here for her.—

we are here for her. have a lovely evenina. we are here for her. have a lovely evening- lots _ we are here for her. have a lovely evening. lots of— we are here for her. have a lovely evening. lots of people _ we are here for her. have a lovely evening. lots of people gathering j evening. lots of people gathering around here in the next few hours to secure their spot for dua lipa. she will be performing later tonight on the pyramid stage.— coming up we will have the very latest on the story dominating the general election campaign, the reform uk worker caught on camera by channel [i reform uk worker caught on camera by channel 11 making a racist remark about rishi sunak. the bbc has been talking to nigel farage who has been distancing himself from those comments and also claiming it is all a setup. we will hear that interview thatjoe pike has done with him and also get the latest reaction from rishi sunak. also on the programme looking at the whole general election campaign, talking to the former education secretary nicky morgan and culture secretary ben bradshaw and we will look at that huge story dominating in the us, joe biden and donald trump, that

election debate last night, that faltering, stumbling performance that has lost so many democrats with their heads in their hands. we will talk to one democrat strategist to watch it all unfold last night. joe biden is due to speak in the next half an hour so we will catch his latest comments live here on bbc news. all of that coming up here in a moment or two. don't go away.

live from london, this is bbc news. in the general election campaign, a reform uk worker is caught on camera making racist remarks about rishi sunak. i've about rishi sunak. always been a tory voter but what i've always been a tory voter but what annoys me... nigel farage distances himself from the comments and claims it was a set—up. the prime minister leads the condemnation. it makes me angry, and i think he has some questions to answer. and i don't repeat those words lightly. you know, i do so deliberately because this is too important not to call out clearly for what it is. joe biden faces calls to reconsider running

for the white house after a stumbling performance in the first us election debate with donald trump. with... excuse me, with... dealing with everything we had to do with... look... if... we finally beat medicare. and glastonbury gets into full swing — with the first of its two female headliners, dua lipa, set for the pyramid stage this evening. hello, i'm matthew amroliwala. the prime minister, rishi sunak, has condemned a racist term used about him by a reform uk campaigner, saying, "it hurts and it makes me angry". it follows comments caught on camera by a team from channel 11 news in which the campaigner uses a racist term to describe mr sunak and suggests that migrants crossing the channel should be used for target practice.

that party worker has since said his comments were personal and not representative of the party. the reform uk leader, nigel farage, has claimed it was all a "set—up". our political correspondent iain watson has the story. we should warn you, his report contains language which some might find offensive. —— which is widely considered to be offensive. reform uk under scrutiny from an undercover reporter. this campaigner in clacton used a racist term to describe the prime minister, and had some views on what the army should do to illegal immigrants. the campaigner, andrew parker, said he hadn't told nigel farage about his views and apologised if he brought the party into disrepute. but, hang on. channel [i also heard the views of another campaigner, this time on gay people and the rainbow flag.

it should be stressed that these are campaigners, not candidates. they're self—selecting volunteers, although the second one you heard from is well known to nigel farage. he has of course had problems with actual candidates too, but blames that on the vetting company employed for not doing theirjob. but other party leaders say that nigel farage himself should take responsibility for those who support him. when my two daughters have to see and hear reform, people who campaign for nigel farage, calling me an effin- it hurts, and it makes me angry. and i think he has some questions to answer. and i don't repeat those words lightly. you know, i do so deliberately because this is too important not to call out clearly for what it is. you have to ask the question why so many people who are supporting reform seem to be exposed in this particular way. it's for a leader to change his or her party,

to make sure the culture is right, and the standards are understood by everybody within the party. nigel farage says that those campaigners in clacton are no longer on his campaign. perhaps one of the reasons the odd person like this gravitates towards us is because, ironically, the bnp don't exist any more. when we find out who they are, we get rid of them. end of. nigel farage tends to subscribe to the adage "there's no such thing as bad publicity", but in this campaign that theory is being tested almost to destruction. ian watson, bbc news. good morning! well, in the last few hours, as we've been hearing, nigel farage has claimed the racist comments made by a canvasser in an undercoverfilm by channel [i were a "set—up". here's what he had to say to the bbc�*sjoe pike earlier. what is your message to rishi sunak's daughters? this man andrew parker appeared in our office on saturday when out canvassing and came up

with an endless stream of invective, no one speaks like that, it went on and on and on. overnight i was told he was an actor, the daily telegraph contacted him, he denied it, we contacted him, he denied being an actor. later on in the morning, he now accepts that he is an actor. i looked at his website, i saw some videos, he is a very well—spoken actor. just because he has acted in the past doesn't mean he was acting in the comments, does it? he is a well—spoken actor but he does what he calls rough speaking, from the moment he arrived at the office in clacton last saturday and bowled up and spoke to me he was rough speaking. you think he was faking it? he was acting from the moment he came into the office, i100% believe this whole thing is a total setup. do you have a message for rishi sunak's daughters? this whole thing is to set up, not true in any way at all,

when i went european meps into the european parliament, they were the most diverse group of any country in europe. we have had two types of fakery, someone making racist comments left on by the media. you had a candidate who praised hitler. and two, the russia hoax. just because i was opposed to the iraq war, predicted what would happen in ukraine that has been twisted in the most perverse way. you had a candidate who praised hitler, and a member of the bnp, an adviser who was homophobic. he didn't praise hitler. he said we shouldn't have fought the second world war. a view i believe to be entirely wrong. as for the former bnp member, he has lied to us.

you know me well enough to no i have never run anyone formerly a member of the bnp. why are some people who seem to be attracted to your party seem to be racist? i am not buying this, he is an actor, we have been set up. channel [i has denied this, saying... you can see a full list of all the candidates standing in the clacton constituency, and it's also on the bbc news website.

ed davey has described those comments made by a canvasserfor reform uk as racist and abhorrent and said he hoped the party would deal with this and anyone else who speaks like this. he was becoming campaign trail today as the liberal democrats said they would scrap the vat on children's toothbrushes and toothpaste in order to lower a&e visits for tooth decay issues. the liberal democrats are concerned about the number of children who are going to a&e with tooth decay. despite shocking. last year it was 1400. what we need are policies that around. one of the policies is to take vat off children's toothbrushes and toothpaste but it is not the only thing we want to do but we need a culture of prevention. ed only thing we want to do but we need a culture of prevention.— a culture of prevention. ed davey talkin: a a culture of prevention. ed davey talking a little _ a culture of prevention. ed davey talking a little while _ a culture of prevention. ed davey

talking a little while ago. - in the run—up to the general election, the bbc is looking at the issues that matter most to you as part of your voice, your vote. one major theme is the nhs, with many people experiencing long waiting times for appointments and treatment. our presenter rajini vaidyanathan is in a gp's surgery in kent now. rajini, over to you. matthew, as you sa there, rajini, over to you. matthew, as you say there. there _ rajini, over to you. matthew, as you say there, there are _ rajini, over to you. matthew, as you say there, there are so _ rajini, over to you. matthew, as you say there, there are so many - say there, there are so many challenges facing the nhs in england at the moment, we should just stress that the reason we are not without the other nations is because health care is devolved in wales, scotland and northern ireland, although it is the westminster government that does fund public services in those nations. there are many concerns that people have around the health service but access to a gp is one that we have found from many people that we have found from many people that were spoken to today. let's give you an example of one of those voices. let's listen to what carol told me earlier.

the last time we drank, they were 34 people _ the last time we drank, they were 34 people in— the last time we drank, they were 34 people in the queue so i have to hang _ people in the queue so i have to hang on — people in the queue so i have to hang on. once you get through, it is fine, _ hang on. once you get through, it is fine they— hang on. once you get through, it is fine theyare — hang on. once you get through, it is fine, they are really helpful, but it is really— fine, they are really helpful, but it is really hard just to sit there waiting, — it is really hard just to sit there waiting, saying that you are at 34th in the _ waiting, saying that you are at 34th in the queue. it waiting, saying that you are at 34th in the queue-— in the queue. it wasn't 'ust carol that said she * in the queue. it wasn't 'ust carol that said she was _ in the queue. it wasn'tjust carol that said she was hanging - in the queue. it wasn'tjust carol that said she was hanging on - in the queue. it wasn'tjust caron that said she was hanging on the phone for hours on end, sometimes, and they get to the end of the 0&a cannot get an appointment. we are at a gp surgery —— surgery. let's meet the doctor. colleaguejim reid is in here too. hi, dr gupta, you are live on air, welcome to bbc news. you are a doctor at east kent trust and member of the bma. we have heard from lots of people including carol who we just played on air who said she struggles to get an appointment with her gp, she is hanging on the phone line, she's never 30 in the queue and once she get through the door she is fine but why it is is it such a challenge to get an opponent

in the first place? the such a challenge to get an opponent in the first place?— in the first place? the first thing to sa is in the first place? the first thing to say is that — in the first place? the first thing to say is that gps _ in the first place? the first thing to say is that gps feel _ in the first place? the first thing to say is that gps feel the - in the first place? the first thing i to say is that gps feel the pressure is the _ to say is that gps feel the pressure is the patient's face, we are on their— is the patient's face, we are on their side _ is the patient's face, we are on their side. gps are seeing on average _ their side. gps are seeing on average patients six times a year now so— average patients six times a year now so we — average patients six times a year now so we see half the population every— now so we see half the population every month. we have 1 million appointments plus everyday. in spite of that, _ appointments plus everyday. in spite of that, we _ appointments plus everyday. in spite of that, we are unable to meet the demand _ of that, we are unable to meet the demand out there and that is because we are _ demand out there and that is because we are under resourced and underfunded and we have lost 2000 gps since _ underfunded and we have lost 2000 gps since 2015 so we have 1300 less gps since 2015 so we have 1300 less gp practices then we had in 2015. why is— gp practices then we had in 2015. why is that? why are there so many fewer general practitioners? tram fewer general practitioners? two reasons, first, _ fewer general practitioners? two reasons, first, work _ fewer general practitioners? two reasons, first, work pressures. we did a _ reasons, first, work pressures. we did a survey— reasons, first, work pressures. we did a survey in kent and found 80% of the _ did a survey in kent and found 80% of the respondents said they were scenically— of the respondents said they were scenically stressed and 20% said they could not manage their stress. we also _ they could not manage their stress. we also note that people, gps and our teams. — we also note that people, gps and ourteams, are we also note that people, gps and our teams, are working 38% more than their contracted hours on a regular basis _ their contracted hours on a regular basis and — their contracted hours on a regular basis and this is unsustainable. we

.et basis and this is unsustainable. we get hundred and £7 per patient, that is 30p— get hundred and £7 per patient, that is 30p a _ get hundred and £7 per patient, that is 30p a day. clearly, there is a mismatch— is 30p a day. clearly, there is a mismatch in— is 30p a day. clearly, there is a mismatch in the work pressures we have and _ mismatch in the work pressures we have and the funding we get. how do ou find have and the funding we get. how do you find being _ have and the funding we get. how do you find being a _ have and the funding we get. how do you find being a gp _ have and the funding we get. how do you find being a gp in _ have and the funding we get. how do you find being a gp in this _ have and the funding we get. how do you find being a gp in this current i you find being a gp in this current climate? do you get stressed? do you sometimes think you would like to walk away from this job? yes sometimes think you would like to walk away from this job?— sometimes think you would like to walk away from this job? walk away from this 'ob? yes and yes but i don't want — walk away from this 'ob? yes and yes but i don't want to — walk away from this job? yes and yes but i don't want to walk _ walk away from this job? yes and yes but i don't want to walk away, - walk away from this job? yes and yes but i don't want to walk away, i - but i don't want to walk away, i want _ but i don't want to walk away, i want to— but i don't want to walk away, i want to stay, i want to work in the nhs general practice and work in the community— nhs general practice and work in the community and do the best for my patients— community and do the best for my patients which is why we want the government to help us with extra funding, — government to help us with extra funding, extra staff and reducing of the work— funding, extra staff and reducing of the work load. do i love being a gp? absolutely, — the work load. do i love being a gp? absolutely, yes. is it a difficult job? _ absolutely, yes. is it a difficult job? yes. _ absolutely, yes. is it a difficult job? yes, sadly so, but this could be reversed — job? yes, sadly so, but this could be reversed in the covenant at the right— be reversed in the covenant at the right steps — be reversed in the covenant at the right steps and took more resources. that is— right steps and took more resources. that is the _ right steps and took more resources. that is the challenge, the public purse strings are tight, we are living through a cost of living crisis and there has to be a constrain so the magic amount of money that you want to fix that might not actually be there so what is the solution? i’m might not actually be there so what is the solution?— is the solution? i'm not asking for maaical is the solution? i'm not asking for magical amount _

is the solution? i'm not asking for magical amount of— is the solution? i'm not asking for magical amount of money, - is the solution? i'm not asking for magical amount of money, i - is the solution? i'm not asking for magical amount of money, i am i is the solution? i'm not asking for- magical amount of money, i am asking for a proportionate amount of money. only 5%_ for a proportionate amount of money. only 5% of— for a proportionate amount of money. only 5% of the doctors and nurses working _ 0nly 5% of the doctors and nurses working in— only 5% of the doctors and nurses working in the nhs work in general practice _ working in the nhs work in general practice, 95% work in specialist care _ practice, 95% work in specialist care and — practice, 95% work in specialist care and in— practice, 95% work in specialist care and in the hospitals so we need to look— care and in the hospitals so we need to look at— care and in the hospitals so we need to look at that balance. we also need _ to look at that balance. we also need to— to look at that balance. we also need to make sure that the money that is— need to make sure that the money that is being invested in general practice — that is being invested in general practice is— that is being invested in general practice is going on the right places _ practice is going on the right places. there has been an investment into something called primary care networks. — into something called primary care networks, this is {1.4 billion of funding — networks, this is {1.4 billion of funding but that funding is restricting us from employing people who we _ restricting us from employing people who we actually need my gps and actually _ who we actually need my gps and actually employing people in the list that — actually employing people in the list that has been created by nhs england _ list that has been created by nhs england so i think there are solutions possible, they are definitely things that can be done. there _ definitely things that can be done. there is— definitely things that can be done. there is a — definitely things that can be done. there is a well, there is way. 30 there is a well, there is way. so that is there is a well, there is way. that is your there is a well, there is way. ’sr that is your message there is a well, there is way. sr that is your message to whoever enters another tent next friday. it is less than a week until voting day. i'm going to pop over here and speak to my colleaguejim reid. you heard what dr gupta had to say there, there is a lot of polling that has been done around the issue of access to a gp, tell us more

about that, why is there such a primary concern for people? in fact, the number — primary concern for people? in fact, the number one _ primary concern for people? in fact, the number one reason _ primary concern for people? in fact, the number one reason that - primary concern for people? in fact, the number one reason that people| the number one reason that people say they— the number one reason that people say they are dissatisfied with the nhs is _ say they are dissatisfied with the nhs is access to gps. the patients out there. — nhs is access to gps. the patients out there. it — nhs is access to gps. the patients out there, it is above hospital care — out there, it is above hospital care, above cancer care, gp access is number— care, above cancer care, gp access is number one. if you look at how satisfaction— is number one. if you look at how satisfaction about your gp has fallen— satisfaction about your gp has fallen over time, 20191 asked satisfaction about your gp has fallen over time, 2019i asked this question— fallen over time, 2019i asked this question every year, 68% of the public— question every year, 68% of the public said they were satisfied with the treatment they were getting from the treatment they were getting from the gp, _ the treatment they were getting from the gp, now it is about 35%, the sow that has— the gp, now it is about 35%, the sow that has fallen, it has halved the pandemic — that has fallen, it has halved the pandemic. what are the major parties going _ pandemic. what are the major parties going to _ pandemic. what are the major parties going to do _ pandemic. what are the major parties going to do about it? well, every major— going to do about it? well, every major party has agreed there needs to be _ major party has agreed there needs to be and _ major party has agreed there needs to be and you heard it from dr gupta there. _ to be and you heard it from dr gupta there. this _ to be and you heard it from dr gupta there, this switch from resources from _ there, this switch from resources from big — there, this switch from resources from big expensive hospitals to primary— from big expensive hospitals to primary care, that is gps, community care, _ primary care, that is gps, community care in— primary care, that is gps, community care in order— primary care, that is gps, community care, in orderto primary care, that is gps, community care, in order to i guess protect those _ care, in order to i guess protect those hospitals because the idea is that patients are well and won't need _ that patients are well and won't need that— that patients are well and won't need that acute hospital treatment. the conservatives are saying they will hire _ the conservatives are saying they will hire 92,000 new nurses, 28,000

new doctors— will hire 92,000 new nurses, 28,000 new doctors including gps and they have a _ new doctors including gps and they have a plan— new doctors including gps and they have a plan to modernise build another— have a plan to modernise build another 250 gc services. labour say they will— another 250 gc services. labour say they will hire thousands more gps, they will hire thousands more gps, they do— they will hire thousands more gps, they do have a specific figure on that, _ they do have a specific figure on that, as — they do have a specific figure on that, as well as this plan to put in place _ that, as well as this plan to put in place another 2 million, hospital appointments each year through extra work in _ appointments each year through extra work in the _ appointments each year through extra work in the evenings and weekends. and the _ work in the evenings and weekends. and the liberal democrats are about 8000 _ and the liberal democrats are about 8000 more gps through the parliament. so there is a broad agreement from the major parties, that more — agreement from the major parties, that more funding is needed and more gps are _ that more funding is needed and more gps are going to be needed over the next five _ gps are going to be needed over the next five years. lib gps are going to be needed over the next five years-— next five years. lib dems and trains. next five years. lib dems and grains. grains _ next five years. lib dems and grains. grains are _ next five years. lib dems and grains. grains are talking - next five years. lib dems and i grains. grains are talking about next five years. lib dems and - grains. grains are talking about the bi est grains. grains are talking about the biggest increase _ grains. grains are talking about the biggest increase in _ grains. grains are talking about the biggest increase in nhs _ grains. grains are talking about the biggest increase in nhs funding - grains. grains are talking about the biggest increase in nhs funding forj biggest increase in nhs funding for the five _ biggest increase in nhs funding for the five major parties. and some gun primary— the five major parties. and some gun primary care — the five major parties. and some gun primary care or gps. —— two. reform uk are _

primary care or gps. —— two. reform uk are talking — primary care or gps. —— two. reform uk are talking about a big increase in spending. they have quite different— in spending. they have quite different policy, they say if you cannot — different policy, they say if you cannot see your gp within three days, _ cannot see your gp within three days, you — cannot see your gp within three days, you get a voucher to allow you to access _ days, you get a voucher to allow you to access private treatment instead. 0k, jim _ to access private treatment instead. 0k, jim reid, thank you for the ok, jim reid, thank you for the moment there. i should just say that there were a number of different parliamentary constituencies that are covered by the east kent hospital trust, you can go to our website, we have a list of the candidates running in the various seats in this part of the world but hopefully we have given you a flavour throughout the day of some of the challenges that whoever becomes prime minister next week will face and hopefully be able to fix when it comes to the nhs in england. fix when it comes to the nhs in encland. ., ~ fix when it comes to the nhs in encland. ., ,, i. ., ., ., england. thank you, ra'ini, for all ofthat england. thank you, ra'ini, for all of that reporting h england. thank you, ra'ini, for all of that reporting to _ england. thank you, ra'ini, for all of that reporting to the h england. thank you, rajini, for all of that reporting to the course - england. thank you, rajini, for all of that reporting to the course of. of that reporting to the course of today. you can keep right up—to—date with all of the election news on bbc sounds. head to the app now and look for the latest —— latest news section.

joe biden is facing calls to reconsider his candidacy for the us presidential election after a debate performance against donald trump which has been described as disastrous. joe biden is facing calls to reconsider his candidacy for the us presidential election after a debate performance against donald trump which has been described as disastrous. in the first televised debate of the campaign, president biden struggled to finish sentences and appeared rambling and, at times, incoherent. the appearance had been meant to reassure voters that his age wasn't an issue in the campaign, but instead it underlined concerns joe biden is facing calls to reconsider his candidacy the appearance had been meant to reassure voters that his age wasn't an issue in the campaign, but instead it underlined concerns and provoked what many are called "panic" in the democratic party. our north america correspondent gary o'donoghue was watching. trump, trump, trump... for the first time in debate history, a former president arriving to debate a current president. cheering. that current president aiming to be the oldest incumbent of the white house in us history. four years ago, when these two men met, it ended up in a slanging match. but even new rules didn't stop the insults from flying. the only reason i'm here is he's

so bad as a president that i'm going to make america great again. my son was not a loser. he was not a sucker. you're the sucker. you're the loser. both men accused the other of trashing the economy, clashing over tax cuts and inflation. he's the only president other than herbert hoover who's lost more jobs than he had when he began. since herbert hoover. the onlyjobs he created are for illegal immigrants and bounce back jobs. the bounce back from the covid. at times, joe biden sounded hoarse and difficult to understand. his aides said he had a cold, but there have been persistent concerns about his concentration and stamina, and this did not dispel those worries. excuse me with, um, dealing with everything we have to do with, uh... look, if... we finally beat medicare. thank you, president biden. abortion and immigration were hotly contested, with donald trump delivering perhaps his strongest line of the night. we are living right now in a rat's nest.

they're killing our people in new york, in california, in every state in the union, because we don't have borders anymore. every state is now a border. when both men were asked about their age — joe biden is 81, donald trump 78 — they ended up in a bizarre argument about golf. i told you before, i'm happy to play golf if you carry your own bag. think you can do it? that's the biggest lie, that he's a six handicap, of all. i was an eight handicap. yeah, eight. but you know how many i've... seen your swing. i know your swing. there was little in this debate to change the minds of the committed. both men made well—worn attacks on one another. both men hurled well—worn insults at one another. what will really count is how this lands with the small number of undecided voters in those key swing states that will decide guy november's election. gary o'donoghue, at the presidential debate in atlanta, for bbc news.

joining me now isjoel benenson, democratic strategist for the obama administration and hillary clinton's 2016 campaign, and sarah chamberlain, the president and ceo of the republican main street partnership. thank you forjoining us. let's reflect on the last 24—hour. how long did it take you as you were watching, she realised something really horrible was happening? it was probably about 15 or 20 minutes in. it certainly appeared that president biden was way off his game. and it was going to be a long night for him. and it turned out that way. there is no silver lining here. it is notjust that it was a subpar performance for president biden, but i think that his performance is likely to reinforce the concerns that people have about

his age and his ability to do anotherfour his age and his ability to do another four years. his age and his ability to do anotherfour years. and his age and his ability to do another four years. and the last thing you want in a debate is to reinforce your weaknesses, you want to reinforce your strengths, you want to offer your vision for america that separates you from your opponent, and you really want to be able to make an aggressive attack against your opponent. i don't think president biden succeeded on either of those fronts. and it is going to be hard to make up that i think. yes, none of those things happened. we'll talk about the consequences perhaps on the ramifications in a moment but, sarah, just a gift for republicans. it moment but, sarah, 'ust a gift for republicanah moment but, sarah, 'ust a gift for republicans. it was, and i actually was watching _ republicans. it was, and i actually was watching it _ republicans. it was, and i actually was watching it with _ republicans. it was, and i actually was watching it with a _ republicans. it was, and i actually was watching it with a group - republicans. it was, and i actually was watching it with a group of. was watching it with a group of republican members of congress and the first— republican members of congress and the first ten minutes were, 0k, well, _ the first ten minutes were, 0k, well, maybe biden is a bit off and he will— well, maybe biden is a bit off and he will pick up but i will tell you the consensus in the room was a lot of compassion for the president

biden, — of compassion for the president biden, it — of compassion for the president biden, it was sad watching that. he has done _ biden, it was sad watching that. he has done a — biden, it was sad watching that. he has done a lot for this country, even _ has done a lot for this country, even as— has done a lot for this country, even as republicans we can acknowledge that and to sit there and watch him look like the old man that he _ and watch him look like the old man that he is, _ and watch him look like the old man that he is, it— and watch him look like the old man that he is, it almost looked like eider— that he is, it almost looked like elder abuse and it was very, very sad even — elder abuse and it was very, very sad even in _ elder abuse and it was very, very sad even in. and if the democrats were _ sad even in. and if the democrats were smart, — sad even in. and if the democrats were smart, they would actually remove — were smart, they would actually remove him from the ticket at this point _ remove him from the ticket at this point this — remove him from the ticket at this point. this is not good for the united — point. this is not good for the united states of america. joel, on that point. — united states of america. joel, on that point, really _ united states of america. joel, on that point, really interesting - united states of america. joel, on that point, really interesting what| that point, really interesting what sarah was saying, that was compassion but if he decides to remain on the ticket, does that compassion turned to anger among significant number of democrats? well, i don't know if it will turn to anger but it certainly may reduce their enthusiasm about voting. and thatis their enthusiasm about voting. and that is a problem for democrats. we have generally been very good at turning out our votes, we have been better in many elections than republicans in presidential years,

in turning out our votes. and you've got to motivate your electorate and you've got to motivate your voters. now, the only motivation that biden may be able to engender here is just, you know, trumper�*s witnesses. and he didn't do it very well last night. of italy in a campaign it is a little bit different and you may be able to do that but we're certainly going to have to show more energy and more force and more strength in communicating his messages. i strength in communicating his messages-— strength in communicating his messaues. . ., ., messages. i want to read something that has just — messages. i want to read something that hasjust been _ messages. i want to read something that hasjust been said _ messages. i want to read something that hasjust been said to _ messages. i want to read something that hasjust been said to bbc - messages. i want to read something that hasjust been said to bbc radio | that has just been said to bbc radio by sidney blumenthal, senior adviser to the bill clinton white house, he described the debate as catastrophic forjoe biden and a crisis for the aquatic party. the party doesn't

have a concrete solution as to try and figure out what to do about the biden candidacy which is almost fatally damaged. —— the democratic party. a line from the chair of the democrat party earlier saying to party members to stop pandering, start running —— rolling up your sleeves and do that work. which of those analyses is correct, joel? because you can you just move on from here as if it hasn't happened or is sidney blumenthal right? ida. or is sidney blumenthal right? no, ou can't or is sidney blumenthal right? no, you can't move _ or is sidney blumenthal right? no, you can't move on _ or is sidney blumenthal right? iifr, you can't move on as if it hadn't happened, that would be putting your head in the sand and just making the situation worse. as i said, you know, first—term presidents typically do poorly in their first debate is going for re—election. but thatis debate is going for re—election. but that is not going to work for biden in this case because he have got their compounding issues that people are already suspect about his age, you know, they know how old he is, it is an age above which any other

president has ever held office. and i think he has got a steep hill to climb here. i think they were going to be some real soul—searching going on in the white house and in the administration. figuring out whether there is any path forward here to get them back on track in a credible way, or whether there is some option that would be betterfor the party and for the country. that would be better for the party and for the country.— and for the country. well, i'll talk about that _ and for the country. well, i'll talk about that option _ and for the country. well, i'll talk about that option in _ and for the country. well, i'll talk about that option in a _ and for the country. well, i'll talk about that option in a minute. i and for the country. well, i'll talk. about that option in a minute. he's not to about that option in a minute. he's got to think — about that option in a minute. he's got to think about _ about that option in a minute. he�*s got to think about putting this country first now. i got to think about putting this country first now.— got to think about putting this country first now. i will pick up on that oint country first now. i will pick up on that point because _ country first now. i will pick up on that point because it _ country first now. i will pick up on that point because it is _ country first now. i will pick up on that point because it is an - that point because it is an important point, in a moment, but sarah, can i ask you, because some democrats i have spoken to have made the point that ronald reagan had a terrible rate and then recovered and made the broader point is that when the focus returns to donald trump, what he says, what he stands for, convicted felon, all of that, than

actually that is a choice that voters will have to make come november, do they have a point? i think the overwhelming... what happened — think the overwhelming... what happened last night is the overwhelming thing is donald trump will be _ overwhelming thing is donald trump will be the _ overwhelming thing is donald trump will be the next president of united states— will be the next president of united states if— will be the next president of united states if the democrats do not replace — states if the democrats do not replace biden. whatever you think of donald _ replace biden. whatever you think of donald trump, you cannot vote for a man that _ donald trump, you cannot vote for a man that appears to be senile. that man that appears to be senile. that man clearly— man that appears to be senile. that man clearly cannot lead the free world _ man clearly cannot lead the free world and — man clearly cannot lead the free world and be the president of the united _ world and be the president of the united states for another four years — united states for another four years as _ united states for another four ears, �*, united states for another four ears. a ., ., . years. as opposed to a convicted felon who sexually _ years. as opposed to a convicted felon who sexually assaulted - years. as opposed to a convicted - felon who sexually assaulted women and bragged about it? absolutely. if thatis and bragged about it? absolutely. if that is what the republicans stand for, good luck in november. joel. for, good luck in november. joel, ou for, good luck in november. joel, you talked — for, good luck in november. joel, you talked about _ for, good luck in november. joel, you talked about the _ for, good luck in november. joel, you talked about the options if the democrats wanted it this late stage in the timeline to make a change, do

you think practically they can actually do that?— you think practically they can actually do that? yes, i think they do. we actually do that? yes, i think they do- we got _ actually do that? yes, i think they do- we got a _ actually do that? yes, i think they do. we got a lot _ actually do that? yes, i think they do. we got a lot of _ actually do that? yes, i think they do. we got a lot of very _ actually do that? yes, i think they do. we got a lot of very talented i do. we got a lot of very talented people in the democratic party, we've got to travel some —— strong governors. this would be a question for the party leadership in the democratic party, normally the president is considered the leader of the party but here i think there are other people from all over the country who are probably on the phones and phone lines are buzzing today, about what the leaders in the democratic party, the chairs from all other country are probably on the phone chattering away about what they have to do about this at this moment in time and what are their options, and i think they will be respectful of the president but they also know the stakes in this election are unbelievably high. we have the only convicted felon in history running for president on the republican line, a party that once claimed to be the party of law and

order and family values. we know he has committed a lottery over and over again. you know, the —— committed adultery. you know, the party has an opportunity here but they are going to have to make a tough decision.— they are going to have to make a tough decision. sarah, let me ask ou a tough decision. sarah, let me ask you a final — tough decision. sarah, let me ask you a final thought, _ tough decision. sarah, let me ask you a final thought, and - tough decision. sarah, let me ask you a final thought, and i'm - tough decision. sarah, let me askj you a final thought, and i'm going to quote to you what ted cruz said in a pod cast nine months ago. he said there was a nightmare scenario for republicans, and it goes like this, that at some stage, joe biden will be seen to be too old to continue with his candidacy. at that stage, one of the only people that persuaded to stand down is barack obama and then the democrats could install michelle obama as the candidate, saying to all other candidates, you will have to wait until 2028, and she is a candidate that could beat donald trump. that is the nightmare scenario he was laying out. do you recognise any of

those dangers potentially for the republicans, maybe not michelle obama, but if there is an alternative candidate, that they could beat donald trump much more easily than sayjoe biden? absolutely. i don't always agree with everything ted cruz says but he's absolutely right about this. and actually the thought in the republicans is that the democrats chose _ republicans is that the democrats chose this early debate time so if joe biden— chose this early debate time so if joe biden didn't perform well, he could _ joe biden didn't perform well, he could be — joe biden didn't perform well, he could be replaced. but, contrary to what _ could be replaced. but, contrary to what the _ could be replaced. but, contrary to what the gentleman said, i heard from _ what the gentleman said, i heard from a _ what the gentleman said, i heard from a lot— what the gentleman said, i heard from a lot of suburban women, they are not— from a lot of suburban women, they are not in— from a lot of suburban women, they are not in love with donald trump but they— are not in love with donald trump but they certainly don't want to senile — but they certainly don't want to senile man it in the united states of america — senile man it in the united states of america so now that the democrats will have _ of america so now that the democrats will have to _ of america so now that the democrats will have to handle this but as republicans we are moving forward with our— republicans we are moving forward with our agenda and hoping to keep the house _ with our agenda and hoping to keep the house and take back the united states— the house and take back the united states senate, so it will be an interesting couple of months here in the united _ interesting couple of months here in the united states for sure. well,

that is a huge — the united states for sure. well, that is a huge understatement, i the united states for sure. -ii that is a huge understatement, quite an astonishing story over the last 24 hours. we'll have to leave it there, thank you for taking the time to discuss the issues with us, we are very grateful. the time creeping up are very grateful. the time creeping up to 530. let's return it to the general election here, our top story we have been covering with rishi sunak condemning the use of a racist slur about him by a reform uk activist and says nigel farage has questions to answer. after the channel for investigation and reform uk, eyes will be on nigel farage when he takes part in a question time leaders special which also features adrian ramsay, the green party leader. they speak to our medical correspondent. —— political respondent. massive focus now on this given what we have seen over the last 24 hours.

welcome to the spin room here in birmingham where representatives from the parties will be coming later to tell us what the candidate really meant when they perhaps slightly fluffed something or to tell us the verdict and why they think they won. we have seen it happen quite a few times during this campaign was up a bit quiet at the moment but still several hours to go before the debate tonight gets under way. nigel farage representing reform uk and adrian ramsey from the green party will be here answering questions from the audience and they will get about half an hour each to do that. interesting tonight to see how the audience respond to nigel farage particularly after the revelations of the last 24 hours or so is that what he has to say on them, we put a little bit of that throughout the course of the day but particularly how the audience reacts when he says that come does he get booed or cheered with met those kind of moments of the things we often

see during these kind of debate like this event tonight. if you look at the two parties, the other thing that's quite interesting tonight is that's quite interesting tonight is that they really could not be more different. take for example climate change. the green party wanting more investment, reform uk want to scrap the net zero targets also on immigration, the green party quite proud of the contribution that migrants make to the economy and they said they want to in the hostile environment. reform uk of course wanting to for controls on immigration, and they are appealing to completely different sets of voters. the green party wanting to take votes largely from the labour party in some key seats and to influence them on issues like the environment and around taxation and things as well. then reform uk of course proving to be if you believe the polls quite a threat to the conservative party and to their prospects and wanting to influence the future direction of the

conservative party. so a big opportunity for both of these parties tonight. they are not about to become the next prime minister, the two people we will see here, but they do want to influence both of they do want to influence both of the main parties.— they do want to influence both of the main parties. sure, and scrutiny of course the _ the main parties. sure, and scrutiny of course the absolute _ the main parties. sure, and scrutiny of course the absolute key - the main parties. sure, and scrutiny of course the absolute key as - the main parties. sure, and scrutiny of course the absolute key as we i the main parties. sure, and scrutiny of course the absolute key as we go j of course the absolute key as we go into that. hannah, we will leave it there. thank you very much for now. 20 more in the next few minutes on the whole general election campaign. i will bejoined in the the whole general election campaign. i will be joined in the studio the whole general election campaign. i will bejoined in the studio by being brash of the former culture secretary nikki morgan also. but let's cause from all of that and cross and find out the sport news headlines of the day. paul scott is there for us. good evening, paul. thank you very much, matthew. phil foden has arrived back in the england camp ahead of their euro 2024 last 16 clash with slovakia on sunday. foden has spent the last few days in the uk following the birth of his third child. the manchester city forward has started every game at the tournament so far,

but was replaced by newcastle's anthony gordon late on in the goalless draw with slovenia. gordon was showing signs of his fall off an electric bike in a recovery session on wednesday and says the squad needs to move on from their disappointing start to the competition. like i said before, we can only control so much so as i said in the past genk and we were not where we want to be. but it's gotten us in the past. they present to the team and stay focused on what's ahead of us and that's exactly what it means. we have got a lot coming up and a lot to look forward to. if we let the past games affect us, then we are not going to perform to the best we can. andy murray's yet to confirm his participation in the men's singles at wimbledon, but as it stands, he is in the draw. he'll face czech tomas machac in the opening round if he does play. murray had an operation on a back cyst at the weekend and says he'll leave it until the last minute to decide whether he can compete on tuesday in what will likely be his final appearance at the all england club. in their most recent encounter, murray lost to machac at the miami open.

emma raducanu returns to wimbledon after missing the last year's tournament. she's been handed a wild card and has a tough opener against the 22nd—seed ekaterina alexandrova. here are a few of the other draws involving british players. jack draper is seeded for the first time. he'll play elias ymer and could face cameron norrie in the second round if norrie can overcome argentina's facundo diaz acosta. dan evans has been drawn against alejandro tabilo of chile. katie boulter faces germany's tatjana maria and could meet compatriot harriet dart if dart beats bai zhuoxuan of china. meanwhile, novak djokovic, who has his own fitness concerns, will face vit kopriva. reigning champion carlos alcaraz has been drawn against mark lajal, while world number one jannik sinner will play yannick hanfmann. in the women's draw, iga swiatek takes on sofia kenin, defending champion marketa voundrousova begins her defence against jessica bouzas maniero, while second—seed coco gauff meets

fellow american caroline dolehide. billy harris is looking to go into wimbledon with a bit of momentum. he's the last briton involved in the eastbourne international. he lost the first set of his semifinal against max purcell of australia, but he's just won the second to take it to a decider. this is the first time harris has reached the last four of a tour—level event. pauljubb is also heading for wimbledon, and he's in semifinal action at the mallorca championships against sebastian ofner of austria. but he's a break down in the opening set. jubb is ranked 284th in the world, 230 places lower than his opponent. england test captain ben stokes is backing jos buttler to remain as england white—ball skipper despite the heavy defeat by india in the t20 world cup semifinal. the defending champions were hammered by 68 runs in guyana. the surrender of the t20 title comes after a miserable defence

of the 50—over world cup in india last year. he isa he is a great leader and has the respect of all the team members in that dressing room. he is someone who leads as a captain, and he expects a high standard of input as opposed to performance. because as long as you're putting in as much as you possibly can come of the performance will take care of itself. but he is the man to lead that white ball team forward for the future. and he's got through to the g20 semifinal. championship leader max verstappen was fastest in qualifying for tomorrow's formula 1 sprint race in austria. the reigning world champion will be joined on the front row by lando norris, with his mclaren team—mate oscar piastri third. qualifying for sunday's grand prix itself will take place on saturday afternoon. and that's all the sport for now.

matthew, back to you. paul, thanks so much. before we move on, let's go to south carolina and show you the pictures there. as i said a little earlier, we are expecting a campaign stop from joe biden as you can see from the paraphernalia on the stage and all the warm up taking place. we shall see if the president referenced what happened overnight, that disastrous tv debate with donald trump that we were just talking about on the programme a short while ago. will he address it? will he be direct about it? it has dominated us headlines and headlines around the world. those in the light pictures. president not yet on the stage and when he arrives we will actually be back there and also will talk to our correspondent who is also there for us. that is coming up we think in the next couple of

minutes. that gives us a chance to talk about art general election here in the uk withjust six days art general election here in the uk with just six days to go. let's look at lousy campaigns are going in northern ireland and scotland where the political battles are much different than the rest of the uk. joining me now is bbc northern ireland political reporter brendan hughes, who's in dungannon. and our scotland correspondent catriona renton, who joins us from glasgow. let's pick up with you so take us through where we are at with the campaign in scotland and at what sort of movement you are seeing if any. sort of movement you are seeing if an . ~ ., , sort of movement you are seeing if an . ~ . , , sort of movement you are seeing if an . . . , , any. well, as he 'ust said there the olitical any. well, as he just said there the political landscape _ any. well, as he just said there the political landscape in _ any. well, as he just said there the political landscape in scotland - political landscape in scotland is very different from looking at other parts of the uk, and that's of course because the snp is the biggest party here. now there are effectively three key battlegrounds in this election. you have in the northeast and in the borders, the snp against the tories and in other

parts of scotland, it's the snp against liberal democrats, but here in west central scotland and glasgow, it's the snp against labour and what looks like it will be a straight contest and all the seats. this part of scotland and in particular let's look at glasgow, in 2015 at that general election which of course followed the 2014 scottish independence referendum, all of the seats became snp seats and notionally all of the seats in glasgow start off as snp seats. that's of course because there are new boundaries here, but these are big majorities of the snp that the labour party would have to overturn. these are the sorts of seats at labour will have to take if they are going to make those giant inroads that they believe they can make in scotland this time around. some predictions that some of the seats could turn to labour and when he think of the size of those majorities that the snp notionally have, that is a big dealfor the party making a comeback in the

scotland is up until recently there were only two labour mps in scotland and one of them in a seat which is notionally held by the snp. now labour say that if you want change from an snp government because of course we have had snp government in scotland for a very long time, then we should vote for labour but the snp said the independence, which of course is their main raison d'etre, if we can get independence, they say then scotland can have the levers to deal with austerity, the cost of living and to deal with what they believe are the damaging effects of brexit. now i have been out and about on the streets of quite a few constituencies in west central scotland and these are traditionally industrial areas. some of them like this constituency glasgow south west have very high levels of poverty, and the things people have been talking about have been the cost of living, the expenses that have been added on to a basket of shopping a

week and also people talking about the nhs. housing, local issues like potholes and you may think, yes, the nhs and housing are devolved issues, yes, they are, but of course when it comes to money, it rose eventually lead back to westminster where the block grant is made. those of the kind of things people are talking about. the one thing they are not talking about dearly here has been in the experience i've had immigration which is of course a big issue in other parts of the country. another thing that i have picked up in quite a lot of conversations that i've had its people are a bit bewildered and don't really know who to vote for and they are still... some of them making up their minds. as these campaigns continue and they really ratchet up now as you will seen with the launch of the snp's campaign must adapt in your lives in the big high—profile event that labour a date, both these parties think they have all got everything to gain and they are now pushing it at the last minute.—

at the last minute. thank you so much and _ at the last minute. thank you so much and now— at the last minute. thank you so much and now let's _ at the last minute. thank you so much and now let's go _ at the last minute. thank you so much and now let's go to - much and now let's go to northern ireland. give me perspective for you are because we have the assembly back up and running after such a long time commitment so many local issues dominant they are like health and education and cost—of—living. yes indeed and all of those sorts of issues _ yes indeed and all of those sorts of issues would be on the campaign trail in— issues would be on the campaign trail in northern ireland, but like in scotland came of those sorts of issues _ in scotland came of those sorts of issues would be dealt with at stormont rather than westminster so the power—sharing assembly has been back since _ the power—sharing assembly has been back since february and those issues dealt with— back since february and those issues dealt with here present in relation to the _ dealt with here present in relation to the overall campaign in northern ireiand _ to the overall campaign in northern ireiand for— to the overall campaign in northern ireland for this westminster election,, it really comes down once again— election,, it really comes down once again to _ election,, it really comes down once again to the — election,, it really comes down once again to the cartouche and a question. _ again to the cartouche and a question, the future of northern ireland — question, the future of northern ireland. yep parties here effectively that are along constitutional lines, some want to

see northern ireland remain part of the union— see northern ireland remain part of the union with great britain and they— the union with great britain and they refer— the union with great britain and they refer to as unionist parties and you — they refer to as unionist parties and you have those parties that are irish nationalist or republican parties — irish nationalist or republican parties want to sleep northern ireiand — parties want to sleep northern ireland leave the uk and join with the republic of ireland, something called _ the republic of ireland, something called irish unity or reunification. there _ called irish unity or reunification. there are — called irish unity or reunification. there are those parties in the middle — there are those parties in the middle like the alliance party and the green — middle like the alliance party and the green party that want to sleep northern— the green party that want to sleep northern ireland be the focus and that's— northern ireland be the focus and that's what they would say and they don't _ that's what they would say and they don't think— that's what they would say and they don't think a position on the constitutional question. so a very different— constitutional question. so a very different set of political parties here in— different set of political parties here in northern ireland were not going _ here in northern ireland were not going to — here in northern ireland were not going to get the likes of the labour party— going to get the likes of the labour party campaigning in northern ireiand — party campaigning in northern ireland because they position of not campaigning for season ireland were asked _ campaigning for season ireland were asked the _ campaigning for season ireland were asked the conservatives, while they stand _ asked the conservatives, while they stand some candidates here, if you look at _ stand some candidates here, if you look at the — stand some candidates here, if you look at the last results in 2019, they— look at the last results in 2019, they achieved a northern ireland less than— they achieved a northern ireland less than 1% of the vote here in that westminster election. so really it is those _ that westminster election. so really it is those other parties that are divided — it is those other parties that are divided along constitutional lines and another big factor in fault line

in northern ireland politics over the last— in northern ireland politics over the last number of years has been the last number of years has been the workings of brexit. particularly for union _ the workings of brexit. particularly for union parties because while northern— for union parties because while northern ireland remained tied to some _ northern ireland remained tied to some eu — northern ireland remained tied to some eu rules, that is meant that the open — some eu rules, that is meant that the open land border between northern ireland and the republic of ireiand _ northern ireland and the republic of ireland has remained open but it has led to— ireland has remained open but it has led to some — ireland has remained open but it has led to some extra checks and red tape _ led to some extra checks and red tape on _ led to some extra checks and red tape on goods moving between great britain _ tape on goods moving between great britain and _ tape on goods moving between great britain and northern ireland. that has angered some unionists and that has angered some unionists and that has led _ has angered some unionists and that has led to— has angered some unionists and that has led to subdivisions within unionism _ has led to subdivisions within unionism which could lead to some threats— unionism which could lead to some threats and — unionism which could lead to some threats and concerns for the vote for the _ threats and concerns for the vote for the democratic unionist party, or dup, _ for the democratic unionist party, or dup, the largest unionist party at westminster. so there is a question— at westminster. so there is a question over how the dup is going to do— question over how the dup is going to do in— question over how the dup is going to do in this — question over how the dup is going to do in this election and they are facing _ to do in this election and they are facing challenges in a number of key seats, _ facing challenges in a number of key seats, the _ facing challenges in a number of key seats, the likes of east belfast from _ seats, the likes of east belfast from the — seats, the likes of east belfast from the alliance party there particularly as well as the likes of south _ particularly as well as the likes of south antrim where they are facing potentially a challenge from the ulster _ potentially a challenge from the ulster union is part of, another

unionist— ulster union is part of, another unionist party. as for the big picture — unionist party. as for the big picture of— unionist party. as for the big picture of northern ireland come at the end _ picture of northern ireland come at the end of— picture of northern ireland come at the end of this election the big question— the end of this election the big question maybe how well sinn fein does _ question maybe how well sinn fein does this — question maybe how well sinn fein does. this party has now become the largest— does. this party has now become the largest at— does. this party has now become the largest at stormont and can do the same _ largest at stormont and can do the same it— largest at stormont and can do the same it was mr level as well? thanks ve much same it was mr level as well? thanks very much there _ same it was mr level as well? thanks very much there from _ very much there from northern ireland and it thank you as well earlier in scotland. let's continue to shoot over the election campaign. with me now is nicky morgan, former secretary of state for education and minister for women and equalities, and ben bradshaw from labour. six days ago, what do you think was meant i think most of us look forward to getting to the finish line. ~ ., , , forward to getting to the finish line. ~ , ., ., . line. when it was first announced at the end of may _ line. when it was first announced at the end of may seems _ line. when it was first announced at the end of may seems like - line. when it was first announced at the end of may seems like a - line. when it was first announced at the end of may seems like a very i the end of may seems like a very long time — the end of may seems like a very long time ago _ the end of may seems like a very long time ago and _ the end of may seems like a very long time ago and obviously- the end of may seems like a very long time ago and obviously we i long time ago and obviously we have to see _ long time ago and obviously we have to see what — long time ago and obviously we have to see what happens _ long time ago and obviously we have to see what happens and _ long time ago and obviously we have to see what happens and it _ to see what happens and it all carries— to see what happens and it all carries on— to see what happens and it all carries on until— to see what happens and it all carries on until 10pm - to see what happens and it all carries on until 10pm on - to see what happens and it all. carries on until 10pm on polling to see what happens and it all- carries on until 10pm on polling day but i carries on until 10pm on polling day but i think— carries on until 10pm on polling day but i think the —

carries on until 10pm on polling day but i think the message _ carries on until 10pm on polling day but i think the message i've - carries on until 10pm on polling day but i think the message i've had to| but i think the message i've had to people _ but i think the message i've had to people like — but i think the message i've had to people like to _ but i think the message i've had to people like to hear— but i think the message i've had to people like to hear him _ but i think the message i've had to people like to hear him a lot- but i think the message i've had to people like to hear him a lot morel people like to hear him a lot more about— people like to hear him a lot more about issues— people like to hear him a lot more about issues and _ people like to hear him a lot more about issues and a _ people like to hear him a lot more about issues and a lot less - people like to hear him a lot more about issues and a lot less about. people like to hear him a lot more| about issues and a lot less about a lot of— about issues and a lot less about a lot of other— about issues and a lot less about a lot of other things _ about issues and a lot less about a lot of other things including - lot of other things including polling _ lot of other things including polling and _ lot of other things including polling and betting - lot of other things including polling and betting all - lot of other things including polling and betting all the l lot of other things including i polling and betting all the rest lot of other things including - polling and betting all the rest of it. �* ., polling and betting all the rest of it. �* . , , ., it. been. i have felt slightly more ho eful it. been. i have felt slightly more hopeful about _ it. been. i have felt slightly more hopeful about the _ it. been. i have felt slightly more hopeful about the election - it. been. i have felt slightly more hopeful about the election in - it. been. i have felt slightly more hopeful about the election in any| hopeful about the election in any election since 2005 about labour's prospects. i'm worried about talk about a big majority in i think that's thought that's been encouraged by the conservatives because that has the effect of making us and supporters of plenty donated by the turn at the determinant of up because it's in the bag and it also i think increases the fear amongst conservative voters who might begin to develop for reform uk or drift somewhere else or they don't want to have a big majority from every. i don't think the polls, some of the more outlandish ones, are more accurate for my experience on the doorstep and there also still an awful lot of undecided voters, more than i can remember in any election campaign. 50 than i can remember in any election cam-lain. ., than i can remember in any election camaiun. . ., , campaign. so danger from the polls. let me ask you _ campaign. so danger from the polls. let me ask you about _ campaign. so danger from the polls. let me ask you about reform - campaign. so danger from the polls. let me ask you about reform uk - campaign. so danger from the polls. | let me ask you about reform uk and nigel farage estimate of the agenda today. do you think the strategy has

been right from rishi sunak because he is and him go after labour loosely but yet not be very direct but today has been different about these comments, but very directly going for it nigel farage and reform uk given how many votes the tories are haemorrhaging to reform uk. i struggle to understand the strategy here. , ,., struggle to understand the strategy here. , , ., , here. the truth is in both seats labour obviously _ here. the truth is in both seats labour obviously are _ here. the truth is in both seats labour obviously are in - here. the truth is in both seats labour obviously are in second | here. the truth is in both seats - labour obviously are in second place or that's _ labour obviously are in second place or that's where — labour obviously are in second place or that's where the _ labour obviously are in second place or that's where the battle _ labour obviously are in second place or that's where the battle is - or that's where the battle is between _ or that's where the battle is between labour— or that's where the battle is between labour and - or that's where the battle is - between labour and conservative and i between labour and conservative and ithink— between labour and conservative and i think the _ between labour and conservative and i think the focus _ between labour and conservative and i think the focus of— between labour and conservative and i think the focus of been _ between labour and conservative and i think the focus of been on— between labour and conservative and i think the focus of been on the - i think the focus of been on the labour— i think the focus of been on the labour party— i think the focus of been on the labour party for— i think the focus of been on the labour party for that _ i think the focus of been on the labour party for that reason. ii labour party for that reason. i think— labour party for that reason. i think rishi _ labour party for that reason. i think rishi sunak— labour party for that reason. i think rishi sunak came - labour party for that reason. i think rishi sunak came out. labour party for that reason. i. think rishi sunak came out very strongly— think rishi sunak came out very strongly against nigel— think rishi sunak came out very strongly against nigel farage i think rishi sunak came out very. strongly against nigel farage and his comments _ strongly against nigel farage and his comments about _ strongly against nigel farage and his comments about letter - strongly against nigel farage and| his comments about letter proved strongly against nigel farage and i his comments about letter proved in ukraine _ his comments about letter proved in ukraine for— his comments about letter proved in ukraine for a — his comments about letter proved in ukraine for a week— his comments about letter proved in ukraine for a week ago _ his comments about letter proved in ukraine for a week ago and - his comments about letter proved in| ukraine for a week ago and obviously i ukraine for a week ago and obviously ithink— ukraine for a week ago and obviously i think he _ ukraine for a week ago and obviously i think he is— ukraine for a week ago and obviously i think he is personally— ukraine for a week ago and obviously i think he is personally very- i think he is personally very wounded~ _ i think he is personally very wounded. . .— i think he is personally very wounded... those individual instances. — wounded... those individual instances, maybe _ wounded... those individual instances, maybe you - wounded... those individual instances, maybe you are i wounded... those individual i instances, maybe you are right wounded... those individual - instances, maybe you are right but that whole life he seemed to go out with which is a vote for reform uk is a keir starmer vote for does not seem to have landed. that does not seem to have landed. that does not seem to have landed. that does not seem to have landed despite the polling. i seem to have landed despite the ollina. .., ., , , polling. i continue on the doorstep that has and _

polling. i continue on the doorstep that has and there _ polling. i continue on the doorstep that has and there is _ polling. i continue on the doorstep that has and there is a _ polling. i continue on the doorstep that has and there is a truth - polling. i continue on the doorstep that has and there is a truth which | that has and there is a truth which is their— that has and there is a truth which is their only— that has and there is a truth which is their only two _ that has and there is a truth which is their only two people _ that has and there is a truth which is their only two people who - that has and there is a truth which is their only two people who couldj is their only two people who could be prime — is their only two people who could be prime minister— is their only two people who could be prime minister after— is their only two people who could be prime minister after next - be prime minister after next thursday _ be prime minister after next thursday. rishi— be prime minister after next thursday. rishi sunak- be prime minister after next thursday. rishi sunak or- be prime minister after nexti thursday. rishi sunak or keir starmer— thursday. rishi sunak or keir starmer in that _ thursday. rishi sunak or keir starmer in that does - thursday. rishi sunak or keir starmer in that does cut - thursday. rishi sunak or keir. starmer in that does cut through thursday. rishi sunak or keir- starmer in that does cut through in conversations — starmer in that does cut through in conversations with _ starmer in that does cut through in conversations with the _ starmer in that does cut through in conversations with the comments i starmer in that does cut through ini conversations with the comments of the reform — conversations with the comments of the reform uk — conversations with the comments of the reform uk candidate _ conversations with the comments of the reform uk candidate and - conversations with the comments of the reform uk candidate and a - the reform uk candidate and a personal— the reform uk candidate and a personal comment _ the reform uk candidate and a personal comment about- the reform uk candidate and a personal comment about the i the reform uk candidate and a - personal comment about the prime minister— personal comment about the prime minister which _ personal comment about the prime minister which i _ personal comment about the prime minister which i will— personal comment about the prime minister which i will not _ personal comment about the prime minister which i will not repeat- personal comment about the prime minister which i will not repeat oni minister which i will not repeat on air, i_ minister which i will not repeat on air, ithink— minister which i will not repeat on air, ithinkthat_ minister which i will not repeat on air, i think that has— minister which i will not repeat on air, i think that has really- minister which i will not repeat on air, i think that has really cut - air, i think that has really cut through— air, i think that has really cut through and _ air, i think that has really cut through and i— air, i think that has really cut through and i think _ air, i think that has really cut through and i think it's- air, i think that has really cut through and i think it's really| air, i think that has really cut - through and i think it's really what most _ through and i think it's really what most of— through and i think it's really what most of us — through and i think it's really what most of us a — through and i think it's really what most of us a note _ through and i think it's really what most of us a note which _ through and i think it's really whatj most of us a note which is actually reform _ most of us a note which is actually reform uk — most of us a note which is actually reform uk have _ most of us a note which is actually reform uk have got— most of us a note which is actually reform uk have got a _ most of us a note which is actually reform uk have got a series of. reform uk have got a series of candidates _ reform uk have got a series of candidates who— reform uk have got a series of candidates who had _ reform uk have got a series of candidates who had somehowi reform uk have got a series of- candidates who had somehow slipped to the _ candidates who had somehow slipped to the net— candidates who had somehow slipped to the net and — candidates who had somehow slipped to the net and are _ candidates who had somehow slipped to the net and are not _ candidates who had somehow slipped to the net and are not the _ candidates who had somehow slipped to the net and are not the people - candidates who had somehow slipped to the net and are not the people i. to the net and are not the people i think— to the net and are not the people i think most— to the net and are not the people i think most of— to the net and are not the people i think most of us _ to the net and are not the people i think most of us would _ to the net and are not the people i think most of us would want - to the net and are not the people i think most of us would want to - to the net and are not the people i| think most of us would want to see in parliament _ think most of us would want to see in parliament. it's _ think most of us would want to see in parliament.— in parliament. it's that point that nate robertson _ in parliament. it's that point that nate robertson put _ in parliament. it's that point that nate robertson put to _ in parliament. it's that point that nate robertson put to nigel- in parliament. it's that point that i nate robertson put to nigel farage that what is it all these different sort of people with very unsavoury views and horrible views are supporting you? that was the point that nate made. you talked about the dangers of complacency and not getting a boat up what about those other dangerous. let's assume the polls are right and labour get into power, is the bigger danger that actually the change the country seems to want, the offering is quite modest? i seems to want, the offering is quite modest? ~' ., ' , modest? i think the offering is modest? i think the offering is

modest because _ modest? i think the offering is modest because it _ modest? i think the offering is modest because it reflects - modest? i think the offering is modest because it reflects a i modest because it reflects a public mood and the sort of disillusionment the public feels in politics and in government after 14 years and particularly after the boris johnson and truss periods. we are right not to overpromise and under deliver way they did and i think keir starmer�*s trinity has been quite right... they described themselves in the first steps in the manifesto and they will be steps in the manifesto and they will he steps two, three and four does that give the party at skip to go beyond what they have said in the manifesto with their various premises in site we have done step number one and now can do steps two and three which may involve only different to what we originally told you? different to what we originally told ou? ., ' , ., you? nothing different in terms of fundamentals _ you? nothing different in terms of fundamentals and _ you? nothing different in terms of fundamentals and principles - you? nothing different in terms of fundamentals and principles but i | fundamentals and principles but i think what you would see is if we win the election and if we make some progress in the first 18 months, two years to create more clinical special people who were very disillusioned about the ability of any government to make a difference in their lives... 50 any government to make a difference in their lives. . .— in their lives... so many of the

massive issues, _ in their lives... so many of the massive issues, money, - in their lives... so many of the massive issues, money, and i in their lives... so many of the - massive issues, money, and that's what seems to be the missing part... first of all if you improve growth that give you more space and you change the public mood by bringing integrity and standards back into public life, and that does you the political space to be more courageous and explain to the british people why you need to do more to continue on that path. i will bring you been in a second without talk to a shadow implement the rick perry from the right yesterday about growth in output to her what is the growth figure you've got in mind in six months or nine months' time fuller to do the things you want to do so that those predictions about cuts don't come into effect? i could not get a direct answer about a number. it’s direct answer about a number. it's ve direct answer about a number. it�*s very touchable not to put a number on it because they're all sorts of unknowns but however there are clear policies that we have come a change in the planning system and investing in the planning system and investing in green technology, that will undoubtedly improve growth and look at the way... but undoubtedly improve growth and look at the way- - -_ at the way... but that's so vague, im - rove at the way... but that's so vague,

improve growth- _ at the way... but that's so vague, improve growth. businesses - at the way... but that's so vague, improve growth. businesses are l improve growth. businesses are supporting _ improve growth. businesses are supporting labour _ improve growth. businesses are supporting labour in _ improve growth. businesses are supporting labour in this - improve growth. businesses are. supporting labour in this election because they see labour at the party this most likely to be able to deliver growth as we did before we were in government. let deliver growth as we did before we were in government.— deliver growth as we did before we were in government. let me bring un because i were in government. let me bring un because i was — were in government. let me bring un because i was listening _ were in government. let me bring un because i was listening to _ were in government. let me bring un because i was listening to a _ were in government. let me bring un because i was listening to a voter - because i was listening to a voter in an absolutely rock solid conservative seat saying they had always noted conservative, saying this time they were not going to and did not know whether to vote for reform uk or labour. polar opposites and the only thing you can take away from that is that it's anyone but the conservatives, that's a huge problem for you. aha, the conservatives, that's a huge problem for you.— the conservatives, that's a huge problem for you. a big challenge of the 14 years — problem for you. a big challenge of the 14 years in _ problem for you. a big challenge of the 14 years in government - problem for you. a big challenge of the 14 years in government and i i the 14 years in government and i think— the 14 years in government and i think that — the 14 years in government and i think that the — the 14 years in government and i think that the ability _ the 14 years in government and i think that the ability to say- the 14 years in government and i think that the ability to say this i think that the ability to say this is what — think that the ability to say this is what another— think that the ability to say this is what another five _ think that the ability to say this is what another five years, - think that the ability to say this is what another five years, we. think that the ability to say this i is what another five years, we are always _ is what another five years, we are always good — is what another five years, we are always good to _ is what another five years, we are always good to be _ is what another five years, we are always good to be difficult - is what another five years, we are always good to be difficult and - is what another five years, we are always good to be difficult and i i always good to be difficult and i think there _ always good to be difficult and i think there are _ always good to be difficult and i think there are and _ always good to be difficult and i think there are and as he - always good to be difficult and i think there are and as he said i always good to be difficult and i think there are and as he said a| always good to be difficult and i i think there are and as he said a lot of undecided — think there are and as he said a lot of undecided voters _ think there are and as he said a lot of undecided voters in _ think there are and as he said a lot of undecided voters in a _ think there are and as he said a lot of undecided voters in a lot of- of undecided voters in a lot of undecided _ of undecided voters in a lot of undecided former— of undecided voters in a lot ofl undecided former conservative of undecided voters in a lot of- undecided former conservative voters and if— undecided former conservative voters and if the _ undecided former conservative voters and if the job— undecided former conservative voters and if the job of— undecided former conservative voters and if the job of the _ undecided former conservative voters and if the job of the conservative - and if the job of the conservative activists— and if the job of the conservative activists over— and if the job of the conservative activists over the _ and if the job of the conservative activists over the next _ and if the job of the conservative activists over the next week- and if the job of the conservative activists over the next week to i activists over the next week to persuade — activists over the next week to persuade them _ activists over the next week to persuade them odyssey- activists over the next week to persuade them odyssey to - activists over the next week to i persuade them odyssey to come activists over the next week to - persuade them odyssey to come back to vote _ persuade them odyssey to come back to vote conservative _ persuade them odyssey to come back to vote conservative and _ persuade them odyssey to come back to vote conservative and one - persuade them odyssey to come back to vote conservative and one of- persuade them odyssey to come back to vote conservative and one of the i to vote conservative and one of the ways _ to vote conservative and one of the ways of— to vote conservative and one of the ways of doing — to vote conservative and one of the ways of doing that _ to vote conservative and one of the ways of doing that and _ to vote conservative and one of the ways of doing that and i— to vote conservative and one of the ways of doing that and i hear- to vote conservative and one of the ways of doing that and i hear whati ways of doing that and i hear what he is _ ways of doing that and i hear what he is saying — ways of doing that and i hear what he is saying and pushing - ways of doing that and i hear what he is saying and pushing in - ways of doing that and i hear what he is saying and pushing in on - ways of doing that and i hear whati he is saying and pushing in on what that growth— he is saying and pushing in on what that growth figure _ he is saying and pushing in on what that growth figure might _ he is saying and pushing in on what that growth figure might beat, - he is saying and pushing in on what that growth figure might beat, thatj that growth figure might beat, that is the _ that growth figure might beat, that is the worry— that growth figure might beat, that is the worry about _

that growth figure might beat, that is the worry about where _ that growth figure might beat, that is the worry about where it - that growth figure might beat, that is the worry about where it is - that growth figure might beat, that is the worry about where it is the i is the worry about where it is the labour— is the worry about where it is the labour party— is the worry about where it is the labour party going _ is the worry about where it is the labour party going to _ is the worry about where it is the labour party going to have - is the worry about where it is the i labour party going to have to tax? is it labour party going to have to tax? is it pensioners— labour party going to have to tax? is it pensioners or— labour party going to have to tax? is it pensioners or capital- labour party going to have to tax? is it pensioners or capital gains - is it pensioners or capital gains taxes _ is it pensioners or capital gains taxes or— is it pensioners or capital gains taxes or lots _ is it pensioners or capital gains taxes or lots of— is it pensioners or capital gains taxes or lots of unanswered - taxes or lots of unanswered questions _ taxes or lots of unanswered questions. actually- taxes or lots of unanswered questions. actually the - taxes or lots of unanswered i questions. actually the labour party~ — questions. actually the labour pa ., ., , party... there are no commitments in our manifesto — party... there are no commitments in our manifesto unless _ party... there are no commitments in our manifesto unless the _ our manifesto unless the conservative manifesto which is full of unfunded tax cuts... hate conservative manifesto which is full of unfunded tax cuts. . .— of unfunded tax cuts... we will talk about that but _ of unfunded tax cuts... we will talk about that but what _ of unfunded tax cuts... we will talk about that but what are _ of unfunded tax cuts... we will talk about that but what are steps - of unfunded tax cuts... we will talk. about that but what are steps reform uk and three and with the money comes from but going back to you, you were talking about the undecideds. we are six days out and the polls are not limited in terms of closing the gap with labour. that's a real straw to be clutching onto. why have not been able, the tories in the campaign, to close the gap? i tories in the campaign, to close the ta i ? ~' ., , , tories in the campaign, to close the ta?- ~' ., , , , ., gap? i think was interesting if you look at the _ gap? i think was interesting if you look at the polls _ gap? i think was interesting if you look at the polls is _ gap? i think was interesting if you look at the polls is that _ gap? i think was interesting if you look at the polls is that both - look at the polls is that both main parties _ look at the polls is that both main parties have — look at the polls is that both main parties have slightly— look at the polls is that both main parties have slightly gone - look at the polls is that both main parties have slightly gone down i look at the polls is that both main i parties have slightly gone down and it does— parties have slightly gone down and it does not— parties have slightly gone down and it does not give _ parties have slightly gone down and it does not give a _ parties have slightly gone down and it does not give a lot _ parties have slightly gone down and it does not give a lot to _ parties have slightly gone down and it does not give a lot to cover - it does not give a lot to cover because _ it does not give a lot to cover because the _ it does not give a lot to cover because the gap _ it does not give a lot to cover because the gap is— it does not give a lot to cover because the gap is still- it does not give a lot to cover - because the gap is still obviously very much— because the gap is still obviously very much there. _ because the gap is still obviously very much there. i— because the gap is still obviously very much there. i do— because the gap is still obviously very much there. i do think - because the gap is still obviously very much there. i do think after| very much there. i do think after 14 years— very much there. i do think after 14 years of— very much there. i do think after 14 years of the — very much there. i do think after 14 years of the time _ very much there. i do think after 14 years of the time for— very much there. i do think after 14 years of the time for a _ years of the time for a change argument _ years of the time for a change argument is _ years of the time for a change argument is inevitably- years of the time for a change argument is inevitably going i years of the time for a changel argument is inevitably going to years of the time for a change - argument is inevitably going to be strong _ argument is inevitably going to be strong i— argument is inevitably going to be strong ithink— argument is inevitably going to be strong. i think the _ argument is inevitably going to be strong. i think the conservative i strong. i think the conservative party— strong. i think the conservative party has— strong. i think the conservative party has shown _ strong. i think the conservative party has shown that _ strong. i think the conservative party has shown that it - strong. i think the conservative party has shown that it does i

strong. i think the conservative - party has shown that it does want to continue _ party has shown that it does want to continue to— party has shown that it does want to continue to cut — party has shown that it does want to continue to cut things _ party has shown that it does want to continue to cut things like _ party has shown that it does want to continue to cut things like nationali continue to cut things like national insurance — continue to cut things like national insurance so— continue to cut things like national insurance so that... _ continue to cut things like national insurance so that... it's _ continue to cut things like national insurance so that. . .— insurance so that... it's been a core campaign _ insurance so that... it's been a core campaign lacking - insurance so that... it's been a core campaign lacking focus i insurance so that... it's been a| core campaign lacking focus and buffeted around by d—day or gambling or rain... {iii buffeted around by d-day or gambling or rain... .., , buffeted around by d-day or gambling orrain... , , ., or rain... of course it has been a difficult campaign _ or rain... of course it has been a difficult campaign and _ or rain... of course it has been a difficult campaign and i - or rain. .. of course it has been a difficult campaign and i think- difficult campaign and i think frustrating _ difficult campaign and i think frustrating for— difficult campaign and i think frustrating for everybody - difficult campaign and i think. frustrating for everybody from difficult campaign and i think- frustrating for everybody from the prime _ frustrating for everybody from the prime minister— frustrating for everybody from the prime minister to— frustrating for everybody from the prime minister to the _ frustrating for everybody from the | prime minister to the conservative activists— prime minister to the conservative activists who — prime minister to the conservative activists who want _ prime minister to the conservative activists who want to _ prime minister to the conservative activists who want to make - prime minister to the conservative activists who want to make the - prime minister to the conservative. activists who want to make the case on issues, _ activists who want to make the case on issues, whether— activists who want to make the case on issues, whether it's _ activists who want to make the case on issues, whether it's going - activists who want to make the case on issues, whether it's going to - activists who want to make the case on issues, whether it's going to be. on issues, whether it's going to be on issues, whether it's going to be on tax _ on issues, whether it's going to be on tax or— on issues, whether it's going to be on tax or on— on issues, whether it's going to be on tax or on issues _ on issues, whether it's going to be on tax or on issues around - on issues, whether it's going to bej on tax or on issues around security or immigration. _ on tax or on issues around security or immigration, and _ on tax or on issues around security or immigration, and of— on tax or on issues around security or immigration, and of course - on tax or on issues around securityl or immigration, and of course there are going _ or immigration, and of course there are going to— or immigration, and of course there are going to be— or immigration, and of course there are going to be these... _ or immigration, and of course there are going to be these... there - or immigration, and of course there are going to be these... there havej are going to be these... there have been _ are going to be these... there have been these — are going to be these... there have been these other— are going to be these... there have been these other stories _ are going to be these... there have been these other stories that - are going to be these... there have been these other stories that i- been these other stories that i think— been these other stories that i think you _ been these other stories that i think you been _ been these other stories that i think you been frustrating - been these other stories that i think you been frustrating on i been these other stories that i. think you been frustrating on the doorsteps— think you been frustrating on the doorsteps to _ think you been frustrating on the doorsteps to talk _ think you been frustrating on the doorsteps to talk about. - think you been frustrating on the doorsteps to talk about. how- think you been frustrating on the doorsteps to talk about.- think you been frustrating on the doorsteps to talk about. how do you exlain doorsteps to talk about. how do you explain going _ doorsteps to talk about. how do you explain going into — doorsteps to talk about. how do you explain going into the _ doorsteps to talk about. how do you explain going into the election - doorsteps to talk about. how do you explain going into the election look| explain going into the election look at the personal polling for keir starmer, is incredibly low and somebody who potentially could win a general election? what does that tell you? general election? what does that tell ou? ., , general election? what does that tell ou? ., ., , tell you? people forget that boris johnson punishment _ tell you? people forget that boris johnson punishment ready - tell you? people forget that boris johnson punishment ready for - tell you? people forget that boris i johnson punishment ready for really low when he won 2019. that is just forgotten. keir starmer�*s ratings are improving and have been more people see of him and that the difference between him and rishi

sunak... ~ ., , difference between him and rishi sunak... ~ . , ., difference between him and rishi sunak... ~ ., ., ,, m sunak. .. where has that happened? if ou look at sunak. .. where has that happened? if you look at the — sunak. .. where has that happened? if you look at the polling, _ sunak. .. where has that happened? if you look at the polling, the _ sunak. .. where has that happened? if you look at the polling, the ratings i you look at the polling, the ratings have gone up and they came from a low base and many voters did not know much of him until this campaign and they are liking what they see. that's kind of craft from the premise to seek to become more improper the more people see of him. i think it was the actual people do understand — i think it was the actual people do understand that _ i think it was the actual people do understand that rishi _ i think it was the actual people do understand that rishi sunak- i think it was the actual people do understand that rishi sunak it'si i think it was the actual people do understand that rishi sunak it's a| understand that rishi sunak it's a difficult _ understand that rishi sunak it's a difficult campaign _ understand that rishi sunak it's a difficult campaign and _ understand that rishi sunak it's a difficult campaign and has - difficult campaign and has stabilised _ difficult campaign and has stabilised things - difficult campaign and has stabilised things in - difficult campaign and has stabilised things in the . difficult campaign and has - stabilised things in the economy difficult campaign and has _ stabilised things in the economy has been revised — stabilised things in the economy has been revised upwards— stabilised things in the economy has been revised upwards with - stabilised things in the economy has been revised upwards with the - stabilised things in the economy has i been revised upwards with the growth numberm _ been revised upwards with the growth number... ~ ., ,, been revised upwards with the growth number... ~ ., i. ., been revised upwards with the growth number... ~ ., ., , .,, , number... what you mean stabilised thins? 20 number... what you mean stabilised things? 20 points _ number... what you mean stabilised things? 20 points behind _ number... what you mean stabilised things? 20 points behind in - number... what you mean stabilised things? 20 points behind in an - things? 20 points behind in an election? . , things? 20 points behind in an election? ,, , ., , ., election? stabilise the economy of the ast 18 election? stabilise the economy of the past 18 months _ election? stabilise the economy of the past 18 months is _ election? stabilise the economy of the past 18 months is what - election? stabilise the economy of the past 18 months is what i - election? stabilise the economy of the past 18 months is what i was i the past 18 months is what i was referring — the past 18 months is what i was referring to _ the past 18 months is what i was referring to and _ the past 18 months is what i was referring to and we _ the past 18 months is what i was referring to and we have - the past 18 months is what i was referring to and we have seen i referring to and we have seen the growth _ referring to and we have seen the growth number— referring to and we have seen the growth number for— referring to and we have seen the growth number for the _ referring to and we have seen the growth number for the date - referring to and we have seen the i growth number for the date revised upwards— growth number for the date revised upwards and — growth number for the date revised upwards and that _ growth number for the date revised upwards and that is _ growth number for the date revised upwards and that is good _ growth number for the date revised upwards and that is good news - growth number for the date revised upwards and that is good news for. upwards and that is good news for everyone — upwards and that is good news for everyone he — upwards and that is good news for everyone he wants _ upwards and that is good news for everyone he wants of _ upwards and that is good news for everyone he wants of the - upwards and that is good news for| everyone he wants of the economy to grow _ everyone he wants of the economy to grow the _ everyone he wants of the economy to grow the fact — everyone he wants of the economy to grow the fact is— everyone he wants of the economy to grow the fact is i— everyone he wants of the economy to grow. the fact is i think— everyone he wants of the economy to grow. the fact is i think that- everyone he wants of the economy to grow. the fact is i think that we - grow. the fact is i think that we decouple — grow. the fact is i think that we decouple the _ grow. the fact is i think that we decouple the doorsteps - grow. the fact is i think that we decouple the doorsteps a - grow. the fact is i think that we i decouple the doorsteps a number grow. the fact is i think that we - decouple the doorsteps a number of people _ decouple the doorsteps a number of people saying — decouple the doorsteps a number of people saying that— decouple the doorsteps a number of people saying that actually- decouple the doorsteps a number of people saying that actually with - decouple the doorsteps a number of people saying that actually with the | people saying that actually with the change _ people saying that actually with the change they — people saying that actually with the change they not _ people saying that actually with the change they not wildly— people saying that actually with the change they not wildly enthusiasticl change they not wildly enthusiastic about— change they not wildly enthusiastic about the — change they not wildly enthusiastic about the labour— change they not wildly enthusiastic about the labour leader. _ change they not wildly enthusiastic about the labour leader. the - change they not wildly enthusiastic about the labour leader. the storyj about the labour leader. the story will another— about the labour leader. the story will another week— about the labour leader. the story will another week of— about the labour leader. the story will another week of undecided - will another week of undecided voters — will another week of undecided voters looking _ will another week of undecided voters looking their— will another week of undecided voters looking their minds. - will another week of undecided | voters looking their minds. [tare will another week of undecided voters looking their minds. i've not not a voters looking their minds. i've not got a great — voters looking their minds. i've not got a great deal — voters looking their minds. i've not

got a great deal of _ voters looking their minds. i've not got a great deal of time _ voters looking their minds. i've not got a great deal of time so - voters looking their minds. i've not got a great deal of time so in - voters looking their minds. i've not got a great deal of time so in six i got a great deal of time so in six days what would you be doing if you were advising in the back of her both of you is that you will of her the refrain you are all the same politicians and it must be very frustrating to hear. given that parties to actually lay out very different policies, so if you were advising strategists, what would you say going into the last few days? i like to see more of the rishi sunak we saw— like to see more of the rishi sunak we saw in — like to see more of the rishi sunak we saw in the — like to see more of the rishi sunak we saw in the leadership— like to see more of the rishi sunak we saw in the leadership debate i like to see more of the rishi sunak we saw in the leadership debate ai we saw in the leadership debate a couple _ we saw in the leadership debate a couple of— we saw in the leadership debate a ample of days— we saw in the leadership debate a couple of days ever _ we saw in the leadership debate a couple of days ever he _ we saw in the leadership debate a couple of days ever he was - we saw in the leadership debate a. couple of days ever he was actually very passionate _ couple of days ever he was actually very passionate sending _ couple of days ever he was actually very passionate sending out- couple of days ever he was actually very passionate sending out his - very passionate sending out his agenda — very passionate sending out his agenda and _ very passionate sending out his agenda and i_ very passionate sending out his agenda and i think— very passionate sending out his agenda and i think all— very passionate sending out his agenda and i think all you - very passionate sending out his agenda and i think all you can. very passionate sending out his. agenda and i think all you can do very passionate sending out his - agenda and i think all you can do is really— agenda and i think all you can do is really keep— agenda and i think all you can do is really keep talking _ agenda and i think all you can do is really keep talking about the - agenda and i think all you can do is| really keep talking about the issues that you _ really keep talking about the issues that you know — really keep talking about the issues that you know people _ really keep talking about the issues that you know people are _ really keep talking about the issues that you know people are saying. really keep talking about the issues that you know people are saying oni that you know people are saying on the doorsteps— that you know people are saying on the doorsteps i_ that you know people are saying on the doorsteps i want— that you know people are saying on the doorsteps i want to _ that you know people are saying on the doorsteps i want to hear- that you know people are saying oni the doorsteps i want to hear about. i would _ the doorsteps i want to hear about. i would want — the doorsteps i want to hear about. i would want our— the doorsteps i want to hear about. i would want our activists _ the doorsteps i want to hear about. i would want our activists not - the doorsteps i want to hear about. i would want our activists not focus| i would want our activists not focus on the opinion polls would get out there and get the labour bow out on july the 4th. lute there and get the labour bow out on july the 4th— there and get the labour bow out on july the ltth-— july the 4th. we shall see. not long to wait. thanks _ july the 4th. we shall see. not long to wait. thanks to _ july the 4th. we shall see. not long to wait. thanks to you _ july the loth. we shall see. not long to wait. thanks to you for— july the 4th. we shall see. not long to wait. thanks to you for coming i to wait. thanks to you for coming in. and thanks to you for watching and that brings us to the end of this afternoon's coverage and we are back tomorrow to take you through all of the day's events but thanks for watching and the bc news at six is next. now it's time for a look at the weather with ben rich.

hello there. we may have lost the heat that some of us experienced earlier this week, but that certainly doesn't mean it's going to be a wash—out weekend. in fact, many places will stay dry. just a little bit of rain here and there. equally some spells of sunshine. now, during today, we've had this curl of cloud, an area of low pressure, to the north of us. that brought some heavy rain first thing across northern scotland. that tending to clear away. a fair amount of cloud elsewhere, but actually as we go through the evening, we'll see clear skies for many. and then this next zone of cloud rolling its way in from the west. some outbreaks of patchy rain maybe just fringing into the south of northern ireland, more especially into west wales, parts of north—west england by the end of the night. 12 degrees in liverpool, but where we hold on to clear skies, it's going to be a little bit chilly as we start saturday morning. so a weak frontal system moving its way into the picture, but this isn't going to have an awful lot of life about it. not much energy associated with this weather front, so just this area of cloud. some bits and pieces of mostly light and patchy rain across parts of north wales and into northern england. northern ireland brightening up quite nicely with some sunshine.

southern and central parts of scotland seeing sunshine. northern scotland quite breezy and cloudy with some showers. but with some hazy sunshine towards the south and the south—east of england, temperatures will actually climb to 25 degrees, a brief return of some relatively warm air. cooler further north and west, and actually as we head through saturday night, as this band of cloud and very patchy rain sinks south—eastwards, more of us will get back into that cooler, fresher air. now, for sunday, this big area of high pressure in the atlantic will try to ridge across the uk, so that ridge of high pressure building in. we are looking at a fair amount of dry weather. this old weather front still bringing some showers across the far south and south—east first thing. fair amounts of cloud filtering its way southwards. we mayjust see the odd bit and piece of showery rain here and there. temperatures north to south 14—21 degrees, so around or perhaps even a touch below the average for this time of year in some locations. into next week, weather systems will push in from the west, but our area of high pressure

to the south—west will still exert some influence. so the further south you are across the uk, actually not too much rain. a little bit wetter further north and west, but certainly not looking like there's anything particularly warm on the way.

today at six. the prime minister demands an explanation from nigel farage, after a canvasser for reform uk uses a racist slur against him. it makes me angry, and i think he has some questions to answer. but mr farage said the comments, recorded undercover by channel 4, didn't ring true. i100% believe this whole thing is a total set up. also tonight, alarm among us democrats after a sometimes incoherent performance byjoe biden in his tv debate with donald trump. everything we have to do with... ..look... ..if...

..we finally beat medicare. stay where you are. a court is shown the arrest of a security guard accused of plotting to kidnap, rape and murder holly willoughby. and what no wellies at worthy farm? and coming up on bbc news, anthony gordon says if england want to stop the negativity they need to perform and give people what they want to see. good evening. rishi sunak has condemned the use of a racist term against him by a reform uk campaigner. mr sunak, who is of indian origin, repeated the words deliberately, saying he had to call out clearly language which made him hurt and angry. he also said the party's leader, nigel farage,

had questions to answer.